R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-22-15.2
Service of process as described in § 46-22-15.1, shall be made by leaving a copy of the process with a fee of five dollars ($5.00) in the office of the secretary of state in the hands of the secretary or someone acting in the secretary's stead and such service shall be sufficient service upon the nonresident; provided, that notice of the service and a copy of the process shall be forthwith sent by the plaintiff or his or her attorney by certified mail to the defendant at the address given upon the defendant's application for a number, and the sender's post office receipt of sending and the plaintiff's or the plaintiff's attorney's affidavit of compliance herewith are appended to the process and entered with the declaration, or that the notice and a copy of the process are served upon the defendant by leaving the same in the defendant's hands and possession by a duly constituted public officer qualified to serve civil process in the state or jurisdiction where the defendant is found, and that officer's return showing the service to have been made at least fifteen (15) days before the return day of the process is appended to the process and entered with declaration. The court in which the action is pending may order such continuances as may be necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to defend the action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-22-15.2