I may not be digesting all of this but since I am in Arizona and you are in Arizona, IF you have a title and it is properly signed by seller and notarized, if required, then you take the title to AZ MVD (use a satellite) and they will give a new title in your name. They don't want to see the truck or anything else. Keep your mouth shut when you are there and you are good to go legally. If the title is out of state, they still do not want to see it as of two years ago. Call a satellite DMV and ask. Don't go to the Gov't DMV. They will charge you and give you a license plate and they will follow up with insurance later. You can provide insurance proof or mark non-op. If you are trying to title it in another state, I don't know anything. If you do not have a title you will have to go salvage or bonded. (in AZ) A bill of sale from the owner may be helpful but don't offer it unless asked. As everybody knows it's tricky at MVD even though you are honest. We are all having fun here but the poster has not returned in over a week. RVMOORE: your problem in my above advice is explaining all to a new buyer why no VIN plate. But that AZ buyer will also have no trouble. Insurance people may visit the vehicle and want a tag. There are no states that would allow you to put on a store bought plate that you stamped to match some title/serial/engine number unless they were involved.
I have said here many times, never buy a vehicle without a title that matches a plate or motor number. If the seller says "all you have to do is..." you have him do it first. Anything else is a parts vehicle!!!! Pass on it. There is always a reason it has no title. Don't believe someone who says "the title is lost". Boloney, it's $4 here to get a duplicate IF you are the owner of record, have the vin number and show ID.
