Is there any way to get a waiver to avoid paying the penalties on a car title transfer?

Here's what happened:

When I was college, my father bought me a car. He lives in a different state, I paid the car notes, and when the car was finally paid off, the title came to me. Well, I live in Texas so I knew I would have to get the title transferred into my name. I called the county tax assessor for the steps to completing the transaction, since dad lives in another state. They told me what forms I needed, so I sent them off.

Well, two weeks later, after my father mailed the forms back, the car broke down. And I mean in a major way--the engine and other issues. At the time, I was more focused on trying to get back and forth to work and school, so I wasn't able to get the title transferred at the time. I was told that I would given 20 working days to complete the transfer without having to pay a penalty. Well, it has taken me over a year to get enough money together to take care of the car repairs and I finally have enough to complete the title transfer--or so I thought.

When I called the tax assessor's office back, I was told that I would be charged an add'l $25/month for every month, AFTER, the date on the back of the title (where me and my dad signed). Well, my dad signed it back in March '08. The person I originally spoke with, back in March, told me it was be about $93 to complete the transfer. The person I spoke with today says I'd have to pay an add'l $400 + the cost of registration. OMG!!!! I finally get enough money together to fix the car and complete the transfer (or so I thought) and now this.

Does anyone know if I can get a waiver or something? Heck, I don't mind paying a penalty, but $400!!?? I mean, at this point, I can't get the car registered because it's in my dad's name--not without him flying down here from CA to do it anyway. I'm really in a box here. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks