The rules for service of process are generally included in a state's Code. A summary of each state's rules, and cites to the relevant Code sections, can be found in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Digests for each state.
Companies: U.S. companies are generally required to file with the Secretary of State in each state where they do business. This filing usually includes a registered agent designated to receive service and an address where the agent can be served. For information on how to get a record of the Secretary of State filing with this information, see "Secretary of State Records."
Banks in N.Y.: In NY, all out-of-state banks must designate the Superintendent of Banks to receive process for them (NY Banking Law, Section 200), even if they are in liquidation (Section 206). See also Section 34 and cross sections listed there.
Foreign: The main treaty on serving process abroad is part of The Hague Convention, "Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters" [TIAS 6638], which is reprinted in both Martindale-Hubbell and the United States Code (see "Hague Convention"); it is also posted online by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. For more information, see the U.S. State Department's Service of Legal Documents Abroad page.
For information on individual countries, check out (1) the Martindale-Hubbell International Law Digest summaries, usually under "Actions" or "Process" and (2) the State Department's excellent Judicial Assistance page. For more information, call the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services (202-647-5226), which compiles legal sheets on many countries.
If that doesn't work, call the country's U.S. Embassy (usually in D.C.), the country's Mission to the U.N. (usually in N.Y.), the U.S. Embassy (in that country) and/or an attorney practicing in that country.
For more information on serving process abroad, see:
(1) Obtaining Discovery Abroad 2d ed. (ABA, 2005)
(2) "Service of Process Abroad: A Practical Guide to Service Under the Hague Service Convention and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure," 24 International Lawyer 55 (1990);
(3) The Practical Handbook on the Operation of the Hague Convention of 15 November 1965 on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters;
(4) International Litigation: A Guide to Jurisdiction, Practice and Strategy, a three-volume looseleaf by Transnational Publishers, has a chapter on the Service of Process;
(5) Obtaining of Service of Process and Discovery Abroad - A Guide for the New Lawyer.
Note on Agents: In many countries, domestic corporations do not designate agents to receive service of process. They just provide an official address where service can be made. I have been told that this the case in Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. To be sure, contact the relevant country's business registration agency and/or the International Services division of CT Corp (800-428-4685).
