N.C. Gen. Stat. § 146-69: Service on State in land actions.

In all actions and special proceedings brought by or against the State or any State agency with respect to State land or any interest therein, service of process upon the Secretary of Administration, with delivery to him of copies for the Attorney General and for the administrative head of each State agency known by the party in whose behalf service is made to have an interest in the land which is the subject of the action or proceeding, shall constitute service upon the State for all purposes. (1959, c. 683, s. 1; 1975, c. 879, s. 46.)