How do I get a new title???

I live in Illinois and I just bought a 1986 Yamaha Riva 80cc scooter. I got it from a friend who is moving and doesn't have room for it. His dad got it back in 1987. But when he got it the man who sold it to him didn't have a title. They only planned on using it to ride around the block so they never got a title, and never had it registered or anything like that. It's a great scooter, in great condition. It only has 900 miles on it and it looks and runs like brand new. I want to use this to get around town. I planned on getting a new title, plates, and to get a lisence and insurance. But everywhere I contact tells me I can't get a title because I would need the original owner to sign it over to me. But like I said, the people I got it from got it from a man 20 years ago. It would be impossible to find the original owner. I find it very hard to believe that there is no way for me to get a new title. Is there anything I can do?? Please help.

I contacted the DMV and they just threw me a snooty attitude and said "well then you shouldn't have bought it" and hung up on me. I think he was just cranky though. But yeah, my friend's dad bought it for sure.

There should be a form to register the vehicle (all vehicles driven on public street must be registered) and to get a replacement title.

You will need a bill of sale from the registered owner on record. You friend didn't put the scooter in his name properly, and it's going to make it that much more difficult for you to register and posess the scooter as third owner.

Contact the local DMV and see what they suggest. There is a way to do it but it varies from state to state.

You can file for an abandoned title through your states division of motor vehicles. It can be a lengthy process but worth it if you are certain the scooter in question wasn't stolen at some point! If it was stolen then the original owner would be able to reclaim the scooter and you would have to litigate against the person you purchased it from to reclaim your money.