Whenever process in any suit against a domestic corporation cannot be served in the county of the corporation's domicile upon any officer authorized to be served with process by the laws of the state and this fact is made to appear by the return of the sheriff of the county upon summons directed to the officer, the process may be served on the Secretary of State. He or she shall immediately send the process served on him or her to the corporation at its place of domicile by mail. The service shall be as valid as if served on an officer of the corporation authorized to be served with process. The service shall date from the time of service upon the Secretary of State.