Transfer of Title: Advice on Financing a Used Car

So I am located in Massachusetts and the car is located in New Jersey.

I am being financed by a local credit union. Car is payed off and title is in the sellers possession.

The plan is to bring him a check that my CU made out in his name. He then deposits the check, we sign a notarized bill of sale and I take the car. Once the check clears he will mail me the title.

Can I still get screwed if he decides to not send me the title?

Transfer of Title: Advice on Financing a Used Car