Yes you will have to pay but there are limits on how much they can charge you. If you call DMV they will tell you the outstanding balance.

If the previous owner was smart enough to file the car under a “non-op”, then you don’t have to pay; otherwise, you’re “it”.

You could always go back to the previous owner and ask him to share this expense…this was, after all, a debt he owed that he passed onto you without telling you.

It would make an interesting Small Claims Court case, but I have no idea if that would work or not. Seems to me it’s a kind of fraud.

Yes, if you purchase a car from a private party and the registration is not up to date, you would be responsible for paying the penalties to bring it up to date, and also the costs of having the inspection done. That is why you should never buy unless the title is clear and everything is current. Why should you pay for their not doing what needed done? Of course if they are willing to discount the price, it might be worthwhile.

Depends on status of vehicle.

If it was declared non-op, then you will have register it as a newly operational vehicle.

If it has old liens on it (like lack of fees) then I’m afraid you’re stuck with them. However, you may have grounds for lawsuit if the original owner did NOT mention any of these fees, as it could be construed as misrepresentation (by omission)

you will need to pay all the DVM past fees’ if the car was NON OP then you only need to pay current. if it was not that then all the past fees will be due to register it to drive on the street

I’m not sure, but I think you do. I think the reg has to be current to sell a vehicle, otherwise, why would the state help you, if the vehicle is in arrears. Take a trip to the DMV and ask them about it, you could negociate that amout, or some part of it, off the cost of the car.