I'm in So Calif and recently bought a Prindle 16 on a trailer. The seller did not put either of them in his name, leaving both in the original owner's name. Yeah, bad situation, but I checked with the DMV. Costs and penalties would not amount to a lot, so I made a good deal on both. Since the total amount paid was low, which is what the fees and penalties are based on, I got out of the DMV, for both the P16 and trailer for just over $100. Includes everything up to date, new Calif Permanent Trailer plate, etc.
It did help that the seller had the expired reg and title papers from the original owner.