(a) Before any well shall be drilled in search of oil or gas, the person desiring to drill the well shall notify the Oil and Gas Commission upon a form the commission may prescribe and shall pay a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) or any sum the commission may prescribe for each well; provided, in no event shall the fee exceed three hundred dollars ($300).
(b) The drilling of any well is prohibited until the notice is given and the fee has been paid and permit granted.