1st thing I would do is get the VIN and run a carfax and check with the local DMV or Police station to make sure it doesn't come as reported stolen.
As long as it isn't, you can do what's called a bonded title. The process is pretty much the same in any state but the time to get the title can vary. Here in Illinois someone I knew went through the process of getting a bonded title and it took 10 months before he finally had the title in his hand. Meanwhile, someone in North Carolina was able to get a bonded title taken care of within 3 days and literally had a title in his hands 2 weeks later.
A bonded title is something you get through your insurance agent so call them and ask about the process. Typically this involves buying a bond 3x the cost of the NADA value of the car and if within 3 years, someone places a claim, they get the bond money... but if no one places a claim, you get the 'bond' money back. IIRC, a bond is $50 per $1000 (or maybe it was $50 per $2000)... I forget but your auto insurance agent should have the details.