Wow gets really bad. After sinking in about $15,000 I thought it might be a good idea to register truck ( I have it insured ) The truck ID number not matching paperwork BIG problem. The guys I bought truck from moved with no forwarding address. I don't want to spend another penny till I have it registered to me. I am working with DMV but they work at snails pace. I am pretty embarrass to have spent so much money with out it being registered. I never had a problem registering a car just did not occur to me I could. I am hoping to get a salvage title
DMV can move about as fast as frozen mud sometimes but do not despair! This actually happens rather frequently with old rigs being restored. As long as neither number is flagged they will usually issue a salvage title. My uncle used to restore vintage cars and that was how it worked in my state.
Good Luck getting it straightened out soon!