Nice!
Your profile says you're in Texas - where at?
When I went to get my car titled, I had to go through the bonded title process (since I foolishly bought without one). Check the TXDMV.gov website - they'll have instructions and forms for all of the titling process, as well as how to register once you get to that point. TXDMV is also split up into regions - even though San Angelo is a pretty big town, my title paperwork had to go to the regional office in Abilene, racking up postage and a $15 processing fee each time I sent them something (of course, it's never 'right' the first time, but I only had to send it back once).
Texas, being a non-income tax state, also has some interesting ways of generating revenue... one of those being through vehicle registration and titles. With that said, regardless of the actual appraised value of the car, you can expect be charged a minimum tax based on TXDMV valuation of your vehicle. Here's the quote from the website:
Fees
If buying from an individual, a motor vehicle sales tax (6.25 percent) on either the purchase price or standard presumptive value (whichever is the highest value), must be paid when the vehicle is titled. The title, registration and local fees are also due. Contact your county tax office to estimate the amount of sales tax due and to learn which forms of payment are accepted. Acceptable forms of payment vary by county.
In 2006, I paid $800 for a '95 Honda Civic with a blown engine, and they valued it at $2300. In 2010, I paid $1600 for my '71 Mach 1 as a project car, showed them my bill of sale, and they still valued it at over $2000. The 6.25% vehicle sales tax, along with the $65 registration and $30 title fees had me paying roughly $220 to get plates the first time. I also ensured I had the 'Day One' pics with me when I went to the DMV, to 'prove' it was a pile. Fortunately, the inspection certification doesn't specify what kind of condition the car is in, or value, or pictures, or anything like that - just pass/fail.
Hope that helps!