Iowa Code Title XIII. Commerce [Chs. 505-554D] § 537.1203. Jurisdiction--service of process

1. The district court of this state may exercise jurisdiction over any person with respect to any conduct in this state governed by this chapter or with respect to any claim arising from a transaction subject to this chapter. In addition to any other method provided by rule or by statute, personal jurisdiction over a person may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding instituted in the district court by the service of process in the manner provided by this section.

2. If a person is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this state and engages in any conduct in this state governed by this chapter, or engages in a transaction subject to this chapter, the person may designate an agent upon whom service of process or original notice may be made in this state. The agent shall be a resident of state or a corporation authorized to do business in this state. The designation shall be in a writing and filed with the secretary of state. If no designation is made and filed or if process or original notice cannot be served in this state upon the designated agent, process or original notice may be served upon the secretary of state, in the manner provided in section 617.3 for service upon nonresident persons and foreign corporations which have made contracts with residents of Iowa, and the provisions of that section relating to the service of process or original notice apply.