An applicant shall apply for the examination by filing an application with the department together with the examination fee by the deadline established by the department in regulations. The department may require the applicant to submit a photograph of the applicant for its files; however, the photograph may not be forwarded with the application to the board for review. Upon successful completion of the examination by the applicant and payment of the license fee, the board shall issue a license to the successful applicant. The applicant may practice optometry in the state upon receipt of the license.