One original and one exact or conforming copy of the articles of incorporation shall be delivered to the secretary of state. If the secretary of state finds that the articles of incorporation conform to law, when all fees have been paid as prescribed in chapter 47-28, he shall:

1. (1) Endorse the word "filed" on the original and the copy and the month, day, and year of filing;
2. (2) File the original in his office; and
3. (3) Issue a certificate of incorporation to which he shall affix the copy. The certificate of incorporation, together with the copy of the articles of incorporation affixed thereto, shall be returned to the incorporators or their representative.

Source: SL 1965, ch 24 , § 32; SL 1989, ch 393 , § 5.