The department, whenever it deems it necessary to insure compliance with the provisions of this article, may require any person subject thereto to deposit with it such security as the department may determine. The same may be sold by the department at public auction if it becomes necessary so to do in order to recover any tax, or any amount herein required to be collected, interest or penalty due. Notice of such sale may be served upon the person who deposited such security personally or by certified or registered mail; if by mail, service shall be made by certified or registered notice, return receipt requested, addressed to the person at his address as the same appears in the records of the department. Upon any such sale, the surplus, if any, above the amounts due under this article shall be returned to the person who deposited the security.