You keep saying "notarized" but I'm still not sure this is exactly what they want. As with most laws, this transaction can take place and as long as there is no dispute between the parties named on the title everything should go smoothly. Since the only other party named on the title is out of the country, there should be no dispute so everything should go OK. Just don't go down to the BMV and give them more information than they need to know- this will just confuse the situation. The facts are the guy sold the car to you, signed over the title and you want to register it in your name.
Good Luck!