I encountered the opposite situation when I shipped a vehicle back to the USA from Okinawa. The M-151 Jeep I had purchased surplus and rebuilt while stationed there with the USAF arrived, but the paperwork got lost in transit. California issued a "bonded title"- - - -basically I was required to purchase an insurance policy equal to the appraised value of the vehicle and keep it in force for 3 years before getting a permanent title. As with almost all dealings with a government agency, it was a royal pain in the butt!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!