You do that and there is a possibility you could be making the next license plate for the car! That is illegal!The seller of the car is supposed to furnish you with a marketable title. If he can't, you should be able to get your money back, or file a court action against him. The previous owner can do a title search, then have a replacement title issued through the DMV. Learn a lesson here, never buy a car without a CLEAR title of transferable ownership.