S.C. Code Ann. § 33-49-80: Filing of papers by Secretary of State.

Articles of incorporation, amendment, consolidation, merger, conversion or dissolution and certificates of election to dissolve and affidavits of compliance, as the case may be, when executed and acknowledged and accompanied by such affidavits as may be required by the applicable provisions of this chapter shall be presented to the Secretary of State for filing in the records of his office. If the Secretary of State shall find that the articles presented conform to the requirements of this chapter, he shall, upon the payment of fees as in this chapter provided, file the articles so presented in the records of his office and upon such filing the incorporation, amendment, consolidation, merger, conversion or dissolution provided for therein shall be in effect.