(a) Duplicate originals of the articles of merger or articles of consolidation shall be delivered to the commissioner. Upon finding that the articles conform to law, the commissioner shall, when all fees prescribed in this chapter have been paid,
(1) endorse on each duplicate original the word “filed,” and the date of the filing;
(2) file one duplicate original in the commissioner's office;
(3) issue a certificate of merger or a certificate of consolidation and affix the other duplicate original to it.
(b) The certificate of merger or certificate of consolidation, together with the duplicate original of the articles of merger or articles of consolidation affixed shall be returned to the surviving or new corporation or its representative.