Change Car Title If Title & Name of Owner All Lost (insurance, vehicle)

[shyguylh]

My wife and I bought a Toyota Camry a few months ago. We never changed it over from the prior owner, but he signed all the papers. Today we went to get that changed over and low and behold I can't find the title anywhere, not only that I can't find anything that has his phone number on it.

The only possibility, not yet checked, is if we left the title at the insurance place (and would they still have it after 3-odd months?) or if I take his name on the other paper he signed and find him on Facebook, or if a VIN search turns up anything. Otherwise, we're at a dead-end.

Is there any hope, or are we in a big mess ever getting this straightened out?

[humanresources]

what state are you located in?

[ukrkoz]

If you do not find owner - as that's what you have to accomplish, sounds like - you will have to go through state patrol. Do you have ANY documents proving this vehicle is somehow belonging to you?
Btw, sometimes, sitting down, calming, and saying an honest prayer asking for help, may actually allow to find that title somewhere. I almost bet that it will show itself in most obvious place right after you go through loops and hoops of legalizing that Camry in your name.
State patrol may issue you a temporary registration to be turned into permanent after 3 years of ownership. I had this done with a trailer I bought from a guy. But SP officer called the owner, he confirmed sale and it all went well.