Live in California, my car hasn't been registered since '04, no non op?

crackedback said
Have you made ANY inquiries about the car with the DMV over the last 7-10 years?

If not over the period, walk in as though you just acquired the car and start over.

Depending on the year of your car, there are loopholes for classic vehicles in the code that exempt you from back registration.

It's not a lost cause.

Yes, IF it's a classic car over 30 or 40? years old you can waive back fees.

I did it once with the help of a DMV registration service in El Monte called Tony's Registration Service.

I bet if you googled: DMV waive back fees classic car or classic car CA DMV back fees you'd find info.