Just bought a 1931 out of CT. I easily got a title in Iowa. Showed them the CT law (no title), and all I needed was a bill of sale and the most current registration. All states title laws and processes are different. In Iowa they are handled at treasurers office. Some sates; Illinois for example, its handled by Secretary of State. Sadly, different staffers are not always consistent. In the end its kind of a risk to secure a title. Last resort is to have the state dispatch an investigator and affix an assigned number. Street rodders are very accustomed to the process.