It shall be the duty of the secretary of state to keep a record of all process served upon him under the provisions of this article, which record will show the day and hour of service of every such process.
The fee of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) paid by plaintiff to the secretary of state under the provisions of this article at the time of service of such process shall be taxed as part of plaintiff’s cost if he prevails in the action or proceeding.