Chapter 3. Trailer Plates Trailer Use Types Trailers can be registered for either " Personal " or " Commercial " use. How is Use Type Indicated on the RTA The Registration and Title Application (RTA) does not have a field for trailer use type. In section B3 of the RTA, if a customer selects " Trailer " as the Registration Type, they should use the " Other " area to write in either " Commercial " or " Personal " . 04/21 Homemade Trailers Builders of homemade trailers with a gross weight of more than 3,000 lbs. must apply for a MA Assigned Vehicle Identification Number. The gross weight of a new or used trailer is determined by the manufacturer and will be listed on the trailer's Certificate of Origin and on the trailer itself. The gross weight of a homemade trailer is determined by the builder of the trailer. NOTE: Log Splitter or Wood Chipper A trailer registration plate may be issued if the log splitter or wood chipper and trailer are permanent components of one another (i.e. non-detachable). However, a trailer registration may not be issued to a log splitter or wood chipper by itself (i.e. the unit is not permanently attached to a trailer). If the log splitter or wood chipper is detachable, the trailer carrying the log splitter must be insured and registered. 12/15 Trailer VINS As of November 12, 2019 trailers that do not have a VIN (trailers with a GVWR of 3,000 pounds or less), will have a " Pseudo VIN " assigned by the RMV, which will be printed on 2020 trailer registration renewal applications upon registration or registration renewal. The Pseudo VIN will begin with the letters " MATR " followed by 13 digits. 11/19