(1) Legal process against a person (a) for whom the commissioner has been appointed attorney for service of process, or (b) who may be served by service of process upon the commissioner, must be served upon the commissioner either by a person competent to serve a summons or by registered mail. At the time of service, the plaintiff must pay to the commissioner ten dollars, taxable as costs in the action.

(2) As soon as practicable, the commissioner must send or make available a copy of the process to the person on whose behalf he or she has been served by mail, electronic means, or other means reasonably calculated to give notice. The copy must be sent or made available in a manner that is secure and with a receipt that is verifiable.

(3) The commissioner must keep a record of the day and hour of service upon him or her of all legal process.

(4) Proceedings must not be had against the person, and the person must not be required to appear, plead, or answer until the expiration of forty days after the date of service upon the commissioner.

(5) The commissioner may adopt rules to implement this section.

Effective date—2010 c 18: See note following RCW 48.15.070.