Lost Title Question

[TOYVET]

Here is an update...
After he tore the house apart he found the Fla title from 1999. Thought we were done w/ it. BUT it seems when the car was registered in Fla, the VIN was transcribed and they left off one digit in the sequential # so the title has a VIN # with one missing numeral...You have to be kidding me. Went to NY DMV late afternoon with the owner to transfer title to me and this is how we found this problem. DMV worker sends me away and tells me I have to get insurance first, and then register the car as the car is too old for a title transfer BUT here is the KICKER...I cannot register the car with the correct VIN, I have to use the incorrect, missing one numeral VIN from the FLA title...What the heck..How is this possible ? No one knew anything at the DMV and I am at a dead end on what to do now...Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks;
Greg