Posted by Hollister on Friday, October 24, 2003 at 8:18AM :
In Reply to: title problems in CT posted by Allen Patnode on Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 7:43PM :
One thing you need to consider, going through the various title companies works great for older vehicles which have been sitting for some time (25-30+ years, it depends on how far back your state DMV keeps records) or were originally registered in another state. For vehicles that have been licensed recently in your state, you have to consider that the vehicle may be currently on file with the state DMV and registered to the previous owner. If it is and you submit paperwork for a new title using the current VIN, you'll run into problems and the state will not issue you a new title unless you find the previous registered owner, get a bill of sale and get them to transfer the title. Sounds like this could be the case in your state.
If finding the original owner is not feasible, you might want to submit the vehicle to a Sherif or abandon vehicle auction (if your state has these) to get the necessary paperwork for the DMV or you might consider buying a VIN plate and title for a vehicle registered in another state, switch VIN plates, then register the title in your state.
I had the same experience as you and ended up getting another VIN plate/Title. Not sure if this info applys everywhere, but it worked for me.