[Spridgets] Plates, Tags, Registrations, and Titles

[David Doiron]

Dear Daniel, 
Depends on the state. 

All states have plates. They used to be dated for a single year and 
had to be replaced annually. Occasionally the plate design would change 
as well. 

Then they started making undated plates. Law enforcement would know if 
the plate was current by: a sticker on the plate (some states) or a 
sticker on the windscreen (called "Tags" and primarily used in the 
Eastern states, not used in the Western states) (the term "Tags" is 
sometimes used by Easterners to refer to plates. 
Not done in the West)

Title is a paper that indicates car ownership. Some states do not use 
titles once a car reaches a certain age. I know Indiana as one case.

You did not mention Registration, but all states require some form. 
It can be for just one or for multiple years. It is primarily a tax. 
States used to require that the registration be visible to law 
enforcement looking in the drivers window. Common methods were little 
plastic cases that were strapped to the steering column or to the 
sunscreen. 
The collapse of civilization ended that practice. Crooks would get the 
address off the registration then go burglarize your home...
The simple tax disc is a much more elegant system.

Safety and/or smog inspections are another whole different can of worms.
Amicalement,
W David & Diane Doiron