Temporary Tag for Private Sales

I've never done a private car purchase in North Carolina, and I'm totally confused about the temporary tag.

The car is 2 hours away. I want to meet the seller, inspect it, and (if acceptable) give cash and drive home in the car with the title and bill of sale.

The issue comes with the temporary tag. It sounds like I can't get one until I have a title, correct?

Also, how does insurance work in that situation?