Yet another thing if you have the VIN is :
Vehicle History Reports - VIN Number Used Car History Records - DMV.ORG
From Texas DMV website
Buyer: Avoid unwanted surprises about your purchase by having the seller accompany you to the county tax office. Before you submit the title application, a tax office representative can tell you if the title being signed over to you is correct and if it has any legal or salvage issues.
If you buy your vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to file the title papers on your behalf, so you will not have to visit the tax office. Make sure the dealer provides you with a receipt showing the vehicle has been titled in your name within 20 working days.
http://www.dmv-department-of-motor-v...r_vehicles.htm
If that person was a dealer then they are required by law to change the title for you.