Look, in order to have ownership to the car, the previous owner has to give you the PINK slip "aka the title." Without it you won't be able to transfer the name under you. SO...I would advise you do a vin check on the vehicle first to make sure it is his car. Next, you won't be able to obtain the title, because only the previous owner has the right to...I've been in this situation before (very frustrating). So...tell the owner of the car to get another copy of the title (like $8 to get a new copy of title) and give it to you...this is the only way. MAKE SURE IT HAS HIS NAME AND INFO ON IT, AND VEHICLE MATCH THE TITLE....if you still confused,call the DMV, they'll say the same crap.