I just remembered, in a few weeks I need to go get my car a title, registration, plates, tags, etc. (has been off the records since 1988.) I have all of the applications and other things to get all of the papers to make the car legal again but a friend told be to just put a lien on the car. He told me that if the previous owner does not reply in 30 days, the dmv will call you and give you a title and the car is legally yours. Have any of you guys done this or have had any success?