Lien on title i cant register the car?

DO NOT drive the car until and unless you can get a title, registration, etc for it. You may have been conned and at this point you do not own the car, the car is not yours, The insurance you say you bought for the car may not be valid in the case of a claim. .... All you did was to give some guy some money and in return you got an object that you can only look at. The lien holder may be able to help lead you to the guy. You MUST find the guy and demand a lien release or a clean valid merchantable title from him. If he cannot or won't provide one, demand that your money be returned and give him back his car. If you cannot find him, contact the DMV, the police and your state office of consumer protection. As I see it, the only other option you have is to pay off the lien. But..........Depending on the outstanding balance, That might be a poor option?