KRS 454.270: Appointment of Secretary of State as agent for service of process -- Service

of process -- Return -- Applicability.

(1) Any nonresident operator or owner of any watercraft who accepts the privilege

extended by the laws of this state to nonresidents to operate watercraft or have them

operated within state shall, by such acceptance and by the operation of such

watercraft within this state, make the Secretary of State the agent of himself or his

personal representative for the service of process in any ci vil action instituted in the

courts of this state against the operator or owner, or the personal representative of

the operator or owner, arising out of or by reason of any accident or collision or

damage occurring within this state in which the watercraft is involved.

(2) The clerk of the court in which the action is brought shall issue a summons against

the defendant named in the complaint and direct it to the sheriff of Franklin County.

The sheriff shall execute the summons by delivering two (2) true cop ies to the

Secretary of State and shall also deliver with each summons an attested copy of

plaintiff's complaint. The Secretary of State shall immediately mail a copy of the

summons and complaint to the defendant at the address given in the complaint. The

letter shall be posted by prepaid certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall

bear the return address of the Secretary of State. The sheriff shall make the usual

return to the court, and in addition the Secretary of State shall make a return to the

court showing that the acts contemplated by this statute have been performed, and

shall attach to his return the registry receipt, if any. Summons shall be deemed to be

served on the return of the Secretary of State and the action shall proceed as

provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure.

(3) The sheriff serving the summons upon the Secretary of State shall pay to him, at the

time of service, a fee of ten dollars ($10), which shall be taxed as costs in the action.

The Secretary shall keep a record of each summons, including the day and hour of

service upon him.

(4) The court in which the action is pending may order such continuances as may be

necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to appear and defend the

action.

(5) This chapter extends the right of service of process upon nonresidents, and does not

limit any other provisions for the service of process.

(6) The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any operator or owner of any watercraft

who is a resident of this state at the time any accident or collision or damage occurs

and who thereafter becomes a nonresident.