It's an '04 and he's already "lost" the title..........

Trying to sell it without a title makes stolen, no if's, and's, or but's.
directly from the Washington State DMV, the state in which the vehicle is listed in.....

"If the seller lost the title, they must complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest and sign it in front of a notary public or licensing agent at an office."

WA State Licensing (DOL) Official Site: Transfer ownership of a vehicle when buying from a private party

Checkmate.