It shall be unlawful for any private motor carrier to operate as a carrier of property or passengers within this state either in intrastate commerce or in interstate commerce without first having obtained from the commission a license or permit or without being registered pursuant to federal statutes. An application shall be made to the commission in writing stating such information as the commission may request. Upon receipt of such information and on compliance with the rules and regulations and payment of fees, the commission shall issue a license or permit to such applicant.