What is the purpose of vehicle registration?

The primary purpose of vehicle registration is to provide legal proof of ownership. When a vehicle is registered, it is documented in the records of the state or country’s vehicle registration authority, linking the vehicle to its owner. This official record establishes who has the legal rights to the vehicle, which is important for various reasons, such as transferring ownership, resolving disputes over property, and ensuring that the vehicle is accounted for in terms of taxes, inspections, and compliance with local laws.

While maintenance, insurance verification, and resale potential are important aspects of vehicle ownership, they do not define the primary function of vehicle registration itself. Maintenance is typically the responsibility of the owner, insurance verification relies on separate documentation provided by insurers, and the ability to resell a vehicle is contingent upon the ownership being properly documented through registration, but is not an inherent purpose of the registration process.