(a) If the department finds that an application for registration conforms to law and all requisite fees have been paid, the department shall (1) endorse on the application the word “Filed,” and the month, day, and year of the filing;
(2) file in the department the original of the application; and
(3) issue a certificate of registration to transact business in this state.
(b) The certificate of registration, together with an exact copy of the application, shall be returned to the person who filed the application or the person's representative.