The governing body of a county or city may license taxis only in the county or city where the taxi principally is operated at the time of application for a license. The owner of a taxi or his agent annually during the month of July shall register the taxi with the governing body of the county or city and shall obtain from the governing body an application for the license. Upon presentation of the application, properly completed, to the governing body of the county or city and payment to the governing body of a license fee of two dollars, the governing body shall issue a license card or plate which must bear a number, indicate that the vehicle is a taxi, identify it by make, model, number, and the name of the owner, and show the year for which the license is issued. The license card or plate must be affixed in the vehicle at a place and in a manner as to be seen readily.