Mo. Rev. Stat. § 260.603
When executed and acknowledged in conformity with section 260.602, the articles of incorporation shall be filed with the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall examine the articles of incorporation and, if he finds that the recitals contained therein are correct, that the requirements of section 260.602 have been complied with, and that the name is not identical with or so nearly similar to that of another corporation already in existence in this state as to lead to confusion and uncertainty, he shall approve the articles of incorporation, issue a certificate of incorporation and record the same in an appropriate book or record in his office. When such articles have been so approved, the certificate of incorporation issued and the same filed, the applicants shall constitute a public corporation under the name set out in the articles of incorporation.
§ 260.603, RSMo
Effective 6/27/1983