the only other way i know of which is a hush hush way that I had to do alot of digging on before I found a local mopar loving sheriff here in MI and that is.....first go to the local police station, have them run the numbers just to make sure it is not stolen.
if all is good....you can move to the next step.
go to your local dmv/secretary of state
I had to ask for (i think) a form TR-205 (probably varies from state to state on what the form number is)which is basically an application of ownership (not a lost title application and not an abandoned vehicle application......very different things).
on this form you have to fill out your name and current address,date, make and model of the vehicle,vin number and so on.
they then run the vin number through the system and if it does not come back as stolen than they will issue it into your name clean and clear right then and there and I think the cost is about $15.00