Understand where you are coming from. The only thing is I don't believe they will give you information such as that at the DMV, but it's well worth a try.
Originally Posted by Just Dave
That's the thing, without looking at the title, its tough to say who's name really is on the title. I'd get the VIN and go to the DMV and say "does Joe Blow own this car"? If they say no, then he has an answer.