Personal car sale and no title

What is the name of your state? California

I purchased a 2004 Land Cruiser six months ago from a private sale. The seller has a license to sell vehicles and bought it from an auction before selling it to me. I gave him the money to register and pay taxes on the sale. It has been six months now and he keeps giving me the run around. I looked it up on carfax and it still shows one owner. I called the DMV and no title transfer has been made. What are my legal rights? I cant drive a car that is not registered.

Why did you buy a car without the title?

title problems

Vehicles are frequently sold without the title being available. Dealerships, for instance, take trade-ins whose title is held by a lien holder. The dealer calls the lien holder and obtains a "payoff". That payoff is sent to the lienholder, who signs off and forwards the title to the dealer. This process can take a while, during which time the vehicle can be put up for sale (after smog, etc) and sold. Did the seller give you a copy of the registration? Technically, the registration will remain current until the expiration date on the reg. What excuses is the seller giving you?