I'd Rather Fly

Welcome To Missouri's Only Aviation Themed License Plate

Thank you for visiting our website. This is the home of Missouri’s newest and only Aviation Themed license plate. The plate may be used as the official license plate on any auto, truck, motorcycle, motor home or autocycle that is registered with the State of MIssouri. Listed below are the simple five steps to getting your own set of “I’d Rather Fly” license plates. Just follow the instructions, and we will walk you through the process. This plate will be personalized by the customer with text of their choosing (with limitations listed on the D.O.R. form 1716). If you have any question or need additional instructions, you may contact us by email at: license@eaa944.org. We will usually respond back within a couple of hours or less. To purchase your EUAS, follow the steps below.

First - A Brief History

In the fall of 2017, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Chapter 944, Chillicothe Missouri, filed form 5052 with the Missouri Department of Revenue, to initiate the process to create a new Aviation Themed Specialty license plate. After nearly five years of effort to meet the D.O.R. requirements, we were excited to see the Department Of Revenue start production of the plate in May, 2022. You can now seeing the “I’d Rather Fly” plates all over the State of Missouri.

5 - Step Process To Get Your I'd Rather Fy Plates

Make a $25 or $50 donation to our organization (one or two year plates)
Obtain a copy of D.O.R. form 1716
Complete your 1716 application.
Submit required forms and fee to the D.O.R.
Wait to be notified that your plates are available to be picked up.

Step #1 - Purchase your EUAS By Making A Donation To Our Organization

The Department of Revenue allows our non-profit organization to collect a fee (donation) for the use of the emblem used on the “I’d Rather Fly” license plate. The funds generated by this project is used for our Aviation Scholarships and other Aviation Educational interest. This fee is set at $25:00 for a one year plate or $50.00 for a two year plate. To purchase your EUAS, follow the steps below:

If Paying By Credit Card

OR

If Paying By Cash Or Check

1e: Print and fill out "Request To Purchase" Form

1f: Mail completed form with check or cash to:

EAA Chapter 944

%Cathie Hamilton

510 Eleventh St.

Chillicothe, MO 64601

Shortly after receiving your payment, we will send you two copies of your Emblem Use Authorization Statement (EUAS) form attached to an email. IF you would prefer having the forms mailed to you. please indicate that when sending payment. Additional instruction will also be sent along with your EUAS forms.

Step #2 - Obtain Copy OF Form 1716

Use one of the following options to obtain a copy of Missouri form 1716.

You may obtain a copy by clicking on the “Editable 1716 Form button below. Here, you can fill out the form online and print it off (recommended) or you can print the blank document off and fill it in by hand.

You may also obtain a copy at your local license office.

Step #3 - Complete Your 1716 Application

Note: Before starting, you need to collect the following items:

The vehicle title or bill of sale or insurance card
Current license plate number

Step 1: The name that you list on your application should match the name that is listed on your vehicle title or bill of sale.
Step 2: On Step two of your application, the I’d Rather Fly plate may not be listed. If this is the case, choose “Other” and on the blank line print “I’d Rather Fly”

Step 3: When listing your choices to personalize your plate, make sure they contain 6 characters or less even though there is a space for a seventh character. Because of the graphics used on the plates, there is only room for a maximum of 6 characters. I you use more that the 6 characters, your applications will be rejected. It is also NOT necessary to provide all six total choices but several is better than just one.

Before entering a choice on your 1716 form, check to see if it is available for use. – Click on Available? button below – Select type of vehicle (auto, truck, etc.) from available choices – When ask “Type of Plate”, select anyone from the available options (any will work) – enter the characters of your choice – select view – select “Is This Plate Available”.

Click the button below to find your local License Office number.

Step #4 - Submit The Required Forms & Fee To The D.O.R

4a: Within a few days after we have received you payment/contirbution, you will receive an email or letter from the “I’d Rather Fly” organization the contains the following:

one EUAS form marked “Original”
one EUAS form marked “Duplicate”

Check one more time to make sure your application is complete and signed. We would also suggest that you make a copy of all your document in case you need them for future reference.

Take the EUAS form marked “Original” and your completed form 1716 and staple to them, a $15.00 check made out to the D.O.R.

Mail the above item to:

Motor Vehicle Bureau

Personalized License Plate Section

301 West High Street, Room 370

P.O. Box 569

Jefferson City, MO 65105-0569

Keep the EUAS copy marked “Duplicate”. You will have to present it to your local License Office when you are contacted that your plates are available to be picked up. You will also need to surrender you present plates that are on your vehicle. and you will also need the usual documents that are required when you purchase or renew a license plate

Step #5 - Wait To Be Notified That Plate Is Available To Be Picked UP

The length of time it takes the Dept. OF Revenue to process your application and produce the plate will vary depending on their work load. According to the Dept. Of Revenue, it normally takes 8 to 12 weeks to produce the plates. If after 12 weeks, you have not received your plate, you may check on their status by going to the folllowing website:

If you need any assistance it completing your application or have any question please send an email to the following address: license@eaa944.org. We will normally respond back within a couple of hours

Renew Your "I'd Rather Fly Plates"

All Specialty License Plates in Missouri, come due in July. The year that they become due will depend on whether you purchased a one or two year plate. Shortly before your plates are due, the Department Of Revenue will mail out your “Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice” This notice will indicate which vehicle plate is due and also what documents will be required to renew your plates. These documents include the following:

1. Emblem Use Authorization Statement (EUAS) dated within the last 6 months

Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice
Safety inspection if applicable
Paid Personal Property Tax Statement
Insurance Identification card
Proper identification

You May Purchase Your EUAS Here

Shortly after making payment, you will receive an email from “IdRatherFly.org. Your copy of the EUAS will be attached to this email.Collect the documents listed above and present them to your local License Office.