Do you know that the date code of a Louis Vuitton bag tells about its history? The code indicates
when and where the bag was produced, one of the important points in order to authenticate it.
Louis Vuitton Unlike Chanel including authenticity cards Louis Vuitton only has date codes as
authentication for their bags. This is exactly why the date code proves to be essential in
determining whether a Louis Vuitton bag is real or not.
LV Bags, Wallets, and Small Leather Goods all used to have date codes until the early 80s.
There were no such identifiers for the period before, which makes it difficult to authenticate vintage
pieces during this time. Granted, they are always subtly placed – checking inside the lining or a
pocket on a leather tab for example can make them pretty difficult to find sometimes.
When searching for a date code inside a handbag, check the following places first:
● On a leather tab stitched into the edge of an interior pocket.
● The underside of an interior leather tab, usually with a D-ring attached.
● Directly on the lining of the piece, usually on the interior edge of a pocket, either
horizontal or vertical. *This type of date code may be the most difficult to locate because
it tends to fade with use over time.
● Underneath the hanging pocket (in the case of Speedy and Neverfull bag styles).
Date codes in Louis Vuitton have gone through various revisions over the years, making sure
that each one comprises either letters/numbers or both. On the other hand, it is not always
sufficient to look at date codes like these on a fake bag; there are many other details to
scrutinize before asserting genuineness. Below is a brief overview of how date code meanings
have changed up to 2021.
The early 1980s and Before No Date Codes
Louis Vuitton did not use date codes before 1982, therefore older vintage pieces can not be
pinpointed as accurately as newer ones.
1982 to Mid 1980s Date Codes: Three or Four Digits
Vuitton’s date code initiative began in 1982. These codes are only composed of three or four-figure digits without any alphabets. The first two numbers signify the year while the final one or
two numbers indicate the month of production.
- The above “853” date code in the bag represents the piece that was made in March,
1985.
Mid to Late 1980s Date Codes: Three or Four Digits with Two Letters
In the middle of the 1980s, Louis Vuitton modified the date code system to add letters
designating the manufacturing factory location. The first two digits of a date code from the early
1980s represent the year, and the final one or two represent the month of manufacture.
- The above “874 SL” date code in the bag represents the bag was made in April of 1987
in France.
Early 1990 to 2006 Date Codes: Two Letters with Four Digits
At the beginning of the nineties, Louis Vuitton changed the numbering scheme and set the
factory letters before the date code. The first three numbers represent the month, while
the production year is illustrated by the remaining two in the arrangement.
- The “FL0041” date code above indicates the bag was made in April of 2001 in France.
2007 to Early 2021: Two Letters with Four Digits (Number System was Revised)
The format of the four-digit numbering system was modified by Louis Vuitton in 2007. The first
and third digits now indicate the week, but the second and fourth numbers still indicate the year,
in place of the month the item was created. The letters still stand for the particular factory that
produced a given good.
- The “AH2105” date code above indicates the bag was made during the 20th week of
2015 in France. The 20th week was in May of that year.
Present Day: The RFID Microchip
As of March 1st, 2021, Louis Vuitton has begun to stop using date codes and instead started
implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microchips on their goods. All products will
have no date code until March 31st at the latest. Only Louis Vuitton stores are able to scan and
get the manufacturing details that have been stored because of these microchips, information
such as item name, production date materials used among others. Unless made in the U.S., he
said (emphasis on final identification remaining for such goods is a “made-in” stamp).
Louis Vuitton Date Code Factory Chart
Below, we included an easy-to-read chart with Louis Vuitton factory codes.
In case re-lining is done on a Louis Vuitton piece, a fresh date code containing the factory
location marking “DK“ is introduced in the bag. However, what is easily overlooked is that the
factory location code on the date code for the re-lined piece could obviously be different from
the “made in ” imprints located on the outside part of a bag if at all they exist. For instance, after
relining, the interior might indicate “Made in France,” but the outside stamping can still read
“Made in USA” since this corresponds with the original country of the bag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is authentic or not?
Check the stitching, hardware quality, date code, and logo alignment. Authentic LV bags come
with high-quality craftsmanship and specific details.
How much is a Louis Vuitton bag?
Prices vary widely based on style and materials. Generally, LV bags range from a few hundred
to several thousand dollars.
Where to buy authentic Louis Vuitton?
Purchase from official Louis Vuitton stores, their website, or authorized retailers to ensure
authenticity.
How to tell authentic Louis Vuitton?
Look for quality materials, precise stitching, proper logo placement, and a legitimate date code
inside the bag.
How to spot an authentic Louis Vuitton padlock?
Check for engraved Louis Vuitton markings, high-quality metal, and precise construction.
Authentic LV padlocks will have a consistent and clear branding