Looking For a Title Bond Service

I bought a car about 3 months ago with the promise of receiving a title. The car has no lien on it or anything, and he is the original owner. However, he has misplaced the title and seems unwilling to go through the trouble of getting a replacement.

I don't mind paying for a bonded title, but the one place I called up made it seem too easy, so I'm a little wary. Basically it was going to be $500 and all they needed was a photo of the VIN and my ID, and it could all be done over email. Does this sound like a scam or is this really how it works?

Has anyone had this done? I basically bought the car at just over scrap value but have put time/money into it to get it going, so I would rather pay extra to get it on the road than get my money back.

Thanks!