The process varies by state, I am in TX and the process is fairly easy.
For a vintage motorcycle that I purchased w/o a title, I registered it in VT and then when I had that in hand, I took the "transferable registration" to the DMV and they accepted it just as a title.
http://benboyle.com/blog/My good friend purchased a '69 Chevelle at an online auction site, the vehicle was in Canada. Once the car arrived in TX, I offered to help transfer and register it, 'cause I wanted to drive it!
First I brought it to the local inspection station for a safety check, no problem. Then I brought it to the local police station so they could verify the VIN, no problem.
Then, along with the transferable registration, bill of sale, import paperwork and other Texas transfer and registration paperwork, I was good to go and the car is a blast to drive! [SS 396]
Hopefully he will have some of the paperwork to get the ball rolling or you mat need to "fudge" it a little. He may want to do the VIN check first to confirm it's not stolen.
https://clark.com/cars/free-vin-report/ ... %20vehicle.
Good luck!