Vehicle Title, Registration and Insurance Requirements...
A motor vehicle is legal property and capable of property damage and personal injury. States closely regulate the proof of vehicle ownership. They also collect registration fees, enforce emissions checks, mandate safety inspections and require insurance coverage...Buying a used vehicle involves proof of ownership and a title signed off properly to avoid legal problems. The repairs needed to completely restore an emissions system and pass the state inspection can often cost as much as major engine or transmission work. Know your state's requirements before driving away from a private party sale or a dealership.
—Moses Ludel