In all matters relating to the lawful activities of the department, the director may issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of all necessary papers, books, records, documents, and other evidentiary material. Any person failing or refusing to appear or testify regarding any matter about which the person may be lawfully questioned or failing to produce any papers, books, records, documents or other evidentiary materials in the matter to be heard, after having been required by order of the director or by a subpoena of the director to do so may, upon application to the district court in any district, be ordered to comply with the order or subpoena. The director may administer oaths to witnesses or take their affirmation. Depositions may be taken within or without the state in the manner provided by law for the taking of depositions in civil actions. A subpoena or other process may be served upon a person it names anywhere within the state by any officer authorized to serve subpoenas or other process in civil actions in the same manner as prescribed by law for service of process issued out of the district court of this state.