If a group of at least five persons (1) files a petition with the Secretary of State setting forth that they desire to be incorporated as an express company, the name under which they desire to be incorporated, the amount of capital stock which the company proposes to have, the place where the principal office of the company shall be located, and the states, territories, and countries in which the company proposes to operate, and (2) pays to the Secretary of State a fee of $100.00, to be deposited by the Secretary of State into the state treasury, then the Secretary of State shall issue to the petitioners the following certificate:

State of Georgia. To whom it may concern -- Greetings:

______________ having filed their petition in terms of the statute in such case provided, they and their associates and successors are hereby created and declared a body corporate for the period of 30 years, under the name of _____________________, for the purpose of carrying on an express business in ______________, with a capital stock of ________ dollars, with its principal place of business at ________, in the county of __________, Georgia, with the powers, duties, and liabilities as now or hereafter prescribed by the laws of this state.

Witness my official hand and seal of this state, this ______ day of ______________, ____.