Holy Crap!
What a freaking scam! Is there a time limitation? If you found a 32 Ford in an old barn that hasn't been registered since before WWII...would you owe for that?
California sucks.
Yes, California does suck! Plus you must pay penalties of up to 160% of the fees due, so you are not just paying the past due fees but tack on the penalties too and think that they have no proof that the vehicle was ever even on the road. If you don't non-op the vehicle it is assumed that the fees were due with no proof on their part.
