Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Re: automobile

Who has physical possession of the vehicle?

This dispute may have to go to court, but one suggestion I could make is to ask the DMV if they will issue you a replacement title based upon your signing an affidavit that the previous title was stolen from you. Be sure to mention the witnesses. This may not work because they are bureaucrats, not judges, but you won't know unless you try.

I'd say that signing off on the pink sliap and handing it to you is sufficient to transfer ownership, but it would be helpful if he also gave you the keys and physical possession.