(1) There shall be a license for an applicator and a separate and distinct license for a pilot. It is unlawful for any person to act, operate or do business as an applicator or pilot, or to engage in agricultural aircraft operations, unless that person has the appropriate applicator’s or pilot’s license issued by the department. Applicator’s or pilot’s licenses shall only be issued upon application to the department, payment of application fees and meeting any other requirements set by regulation or law. The application shall contain information regarding the applicant’s qualifications and proposed operations, and any other information as may be specified by the department. All applicants for a pilot’s license must have appropriate Federal Aviation Administration certification.

(2) Applicator’s and pilot’s licenses are not transferable. Licenses shall be effective for the period prescribed by regulation of the department. Any licensee wishing to have a license renewed must submit an application for renewal with the department at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of the license. If the applicant submits a timely and complete application for renewal, and the department, through no fault of the applicant, fails to reissue the license on or before the expiration date of the existing license, the existing license shall remain in effect until final action on the renewal application is taken by the department. Licenses are subject to modification, revocation or suspension for cause at any time during the effective dates of the license, subject to constitutional requirements.

(3) Any person seeking to obtain a license as an applicator in this state shall submit with his application proof of payment of all ad valorem and other taxes that may be applicable on the applicant’s aircraft and other equipment.

(4) All persons licensed under this article shall be known as registered applicators or pilots, and shall be issued a certificate by the department as proof of registration.