§ 33-5-53 — Service of action and process upon Commissioner; sending of notice of service to defendant; applicability

(a) Service shall be made by delivery to and leaving with the Commissioner or some person in apparent charge of his office two copies of the action and process. (b) At the time of such service, the plaintiff shall pay the Commissioner the sum of $15.00, which shall be taxable as cost. The Commissioner shall immediately mail by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery one of the copies of such action and process to the defendant at his last known principal place of business and shall keep a record of all process so served upon him. Such service is sufficient, provided that notice of the service and a copy of the action and process are sent within 15 days thereafter by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery by plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney to the defendant at his last known principal place of business; and the defendant's receipt, or receipt issued by the post office with which the letter is registered or certified, showing the name of the sender of the letter and the name and address of the person to whom the letter is addressed and the affidavit of the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney showing a compliance with service as provided in this Code section are filed with the clerk of the court in which such action is pending on or before the date the defendant is required to appear or within such further time as the court may allow. (c) Service upon the Commissioner pursuant to this Code section shall only be made when service pursuant to the manner provided in Code Section 33-5-54 cannot be effectuated.