In the U.S. you canu2019t even move the car from where ever you bought it without valid insurance and Yes, you have to take it to register the car with the DMV or itu2019s proxy. Itu2019s different in different places, but in general, yes, you have to register the vehicle in order to get a valid title and pay for registration to get current license plates. Insurance companies have nothing to do with registration and licensing. They only issue and administer policies on vehicles. You have to purchase a policy specific to your VIN(vehicle identification number) in order to be able to even move the vehicle. Once you have a policy in place, you can drive the vehicle to your home or the place in your area where you register it. There is usually a u201cgrace periodu201d. This just means that you have a set amount of time to register the car. For example you have 90days in Wyoming. You usually have to bring a u201cbill of saleu201d, the old title that has been signed off by the old owner and notarized, and proof of insurance to transfer the title from their name to yours. Once you have a valid title in your name, then you can register the vehicle in your state and receive your license plates. Only at that point is the vehicle legal to drive on the roads within the U.S.