Wow, I did this several times in
Washington and it's been a breeze each time. Granted, a 3 year long breeze...well, more of a sporadic gust that is perhaps just a tad warm and leaves you not feeling sick but wondering if the breeze is pleasant or maybe just slightly uncomfortable but certainly not uncomfortable enough to bother getting up and finding A/C.
Anyway, here, we do "Ownership in doubt":
Go down with a vin number.
DMV will give you the name and address currently associated with the vin.
You send a certified letter to the name and address including a "release of interest" which you've conveniently filled out for the "legal owner".
If the person returns the release of interest to you, DMV will give you a title
If it is returned to you unopened (LEAVE IT UNOPENED!), DMV will open it for you and have you take the vehicle to State Patrol for a quick inspection and will then issue you an Ownership in Doubt registration good for three years. At the end of the three years, if the legal owner doesn't complain, you get your title.
And...oh yes...At any time, you're still free to sell it.