Difficulty in obtaining a title in Arizona?
Talk to the DMV, talk to the CHP
Any car not in the system needs a VIN verification when bringing them to California, I don't know the particulars as the ones I have done were complete cars. Different places like AAA can also do it.
California isn't as difficult as people make it up to be, a Statement of Facts Form may be all you need and any paperwork from the original sale/purchase with the Application for Title Form.
Alan