Car title question for California peeps

Last week I bought a car for a guy in California. When he sent the title I found that it was a Texas title and still titled to the owner previous to him. The guy I bought it from has signed his name to the title but never got it put in his name. I texted him and he said he will send me a bill of sale and that will solve my problems. My local DMV said that the guy I bought it from will have to title it in his name and sign it over to me. Can he do this in California with out the vehicle present for a VIN verification? Thanks!