I am sure each state has different standards on this--but if the original owner has signed off the title it could be OK. If it was here in California and the title was signed, it is an "open title" and is no problem to take to the DMV. I bought a car a few years ago in that condition--owner was long since dead, but the title was endorsed. DMV didn't even look at the signature let alone question it.
In Nebraska where I lived previously, you had to have a notorized signature. Been through that one too, best to have a live body there!