Massdrive, all of the states don't require DMV inspection, and I think it's over the top. I can see a requirement for rudimentary lights, 2 brakes, roadworthy tires, etc, but if you don't have them you will be found out sooner or later. After all, the unsafe bike builders tend to be the hot doggers. I think the inspection is prone to scope creep, with the form built by a committee of bureaucrats vying for more and more check items. I'm glad we don't do it here in St. Louis.
As for a title, also not required in St. Louis. These machines are based on bikes, so do we all keep records back to the original buyer of the new bike? Not a rhetorical question. I do, but no idea what you all do. And for that matter, what do the build from scratchers do? That's a legitimate - actually admirable - activity, but they would have a real problem with a title. I like the Cal tag idea, but "title"?