Fl. DMV won' transfer a clean open title to me.

My dad’s Dart came from a non-title state too. Here in VA it’s a misdemeanor to try and register a vehicle without a title!?!? I’m having to go through an Abandoned Vehicle process where I’ve run the insurance and police report database scan for it and it came back clean. If it popped an owner on record somewhere, I’d have a mess on my hands. Now I just have to post a public intent to auction the vehicle to see if anyone claims it. Then, I can finally say that I want to keep it and apply for a new title here. Clear as mud. Covid having shut down all the offices pushed DMV appointments out about 2-3 months here too. Effing zoo man.

Sometimes you can apply for lost title in current owner's name, have it sent to him c/o of you and your address. But a "ghost" would need to sign owners name on app. for lost title. IF no notary is required. There are probably larger sins committed.
Some states are so anal with old car titles.