53-13-5: Filing of articles of amendment.

A. An original and a copy, which may be a photocopy of the original after it was signed or a photocopy that is conformed to the original, of the articles of amendment shall be delivered to the commission [secretary of state]. If the commission [secretary of state] finds that the articles of amendment conform to law, it shall, when all fees have been paid:

(1) endorse on the original and copy the word "filed" and the month, day and year of the filing;

(2) file the original in its office; and

(3) issue a certificate of amendment to which it shall affix the copy.

B. The certificate of amendment, together with the duplicate original of the articles of amendment affixed thereto by the commission [secretary of state], shall be returned to the corporation or its representative.