How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Bags & LV Date Codes| Yoogi's Closet (2024)

Contrary to popular belief, Louis Vuitton handbags (excluding luggage and rare limited edition pieces) do not have serial numbers. Rather, Louis Vuitton handbags have "date codes" stamped either on interior tags or directly on the interior linings. These date codes simply serve to identify the manufacturing location and date for a Louis Vuitton handbag, not to verify it's authenticity. With the exception of early handbags (early 1980s and older), date codes can be found on all Louis Vuitton handbags and other items made by the luxury brand (e.g. sunglasses).

Most date codes are a combination of letters and numbers. The letters indicated the country in which the item was made while the numbers indicate the month/year of the production date. The format of the date codes are as follows:

  • Prior to early 1980s. No date codes.

  • Early 1980s. Three or four numbers with the first two numbers representing the year and last number(s) representing the month. E.g. "836" would indicate a manufacturing date of June, 1983.

  • Early to late 1980s. Three or four numbers followed by two letters with the first two numbers representing the year, the next number(s) representing the month and the last two letters representing the country (see right sidebar for factory location codes). E.g. "874VX" would indicate a manufacturing date of April, 1987 and factory location in France. Late in the 1980s, the letters representing the factory location came before the three or four numbers representing the manufacturing date.

  • 1990 to 2006. Two letters followed by four numbers with the first two letters representing the factory location, the first and third numbers representing the month and the second and forth numbers representing the year. For example, “VI1025” would indicate a factory location in France and a manufacturing date of December, 2005.

  • 2007 and newer. Two letters followed by four numbers with the first two letters representing the factory location, the first and third numbers representing the week of the year, and the second and forth numbers representing the year. For example, “SD2057” would indicate a factory location of USA and a manufacturing date of the 25 week (or June) of 2007.

Keep in mind that the fact that an item has a date code does not guarantee that it's authentic since many counterfeit items have date codes. A valid and properly stamped date code is just one of many parameters that are checked to guarantee the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Authentic Handbags with No Date Code?

Authentic Louis Vuitton handbags with alcantara linings may have date codes that are very hard to read or have disappeared altogether. This is sometimes the case for older bags or if the bags have had their linings cleaned.

For a more in-depth information about date codes, Yoogi's has put together a complete guide to all things Louis Vuitton date codes.

For more information about the history of Louis Vuitton, bag styles, and materials, visit ourLouis Vuitton Information Guide.

We promise the authenticity of every Louis Vuitton item on Yoogi's Closet. Happy shopping!

How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Bags & LV Date Codes| Yoogi's Closet (1)

Date code embossed on tag inside a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Louis Vuitton Factory Location Codes

Note this is not a complete list.

FranceA0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, DR, DT, CO, CT, CX, ET, FL, LA, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TJ, TH, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX
GermanyLP, OL
ItalyBC, BO, CE, FN, FO, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, SA, TD
SpainBC, CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB
SwitzerlandDI, FA
USAFC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL, TX
How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Bags & LV Date Codes| Yoogi's Closet (2024)

FAQs

How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Bags & LV Date Codes| Yoogi's Closet? ›

On all authentic Louis Vuitton bags, the country code MUST match the “Made in (country)” heat stamp. Louis Vuitton date codes are not serial numbers – they simply identify the manufacturing location and date for a Louis Vuitton handbag, which means that many Louis Vuitton bags can have exactly the same date code.

How do I verify a Louis Vuitton date code? ›

Two letters followed by four numbers with the first two letters representing the factory location, the first and third numbers representing the month and the second and forth numbers representing the year. For example, “VI1025” would indicate a factory location in France and a manufacturing date of December, 2005.

How do I authenticate my LV bag online? ›

To authenticate your Louis Vuitton bag, take 6 detailed photos of your second-hand luxury item, then send them to us via your Authentifier account. We will also check the Louis Vuitton serial number, so remember to photograph it.

How do I scan and check if my LV bag is original? ›

Look for the Inside Stamps

Louis Vuitton does not come with any authenticity cards. In order to tell if the bag is real, manufacturer places a unique stamp with a place and date code on the inside of the purse.

What happens if my Louis Vuitton doesn't have a date code? ›

At the same time, if your bag is missing a date code, don't panic; the absence of a date code does not necessarily mean that the bag is not authentic. As of March 1st, 2021, these have been removed, in favor of microchips embedded discreetly in your LV products.

How to check a bag serial number? ›

The code will either be on a leather tab situated along the seam of an interior pocket or pressed into the lining if made of suede. For suede bags, the code can also be located along the seam inside of the interior pocket, however, it can be trickier to see if faded over time.

Where to go to authenticate Louis Vuitton? ›

At Real Authentication, we offer online authentication services for Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands. Our team of expert authentication specialists is dedicated to ensuring that each product is 100% authentic, giving you the peace of mind that you deserve.

How can I check the authenticity of a bag? ›

5 tips for spotting fakes
  1. Pay attention to the inside seams. Quality is what differentiates fakes from original brand bags. ...
  2. The logo, very easy to compare. Manufacturers of fake products have come a long way in imitating logos, there is no doubt about that. ...
  3. Additional accessories. ...
  4. Fabric quality. ...
  5. Check labels.

What is the app for authenticity handbags? ›

LEGIT APP is your fast & globally trusted authentication solution for luxury handbags, sneakers and designer products. Powered by a great team of expert authenticators and cutting-edge AI technology.

How to tell if a vintage Louis Vuitton is real? ›

Watermarks, scuffs, and a darker color at the top of the handles are actually good signs, signaling the bag might be authentic. If a Louis Vuitton, especially a pre-loved, vintage bag, has an even and light patina, it is a strong indicator that the Vachetta is imitation and the bag is a counterfeit.

Will Louis Vuitton confirm authenticity? ›

Unfortunately, Louis Vuitton usually does not offer to check second-hand bags for authenticity, however, there is a little trick that some use to ensure the authenticity of their bags. Louis Vuitton has great repair service, but they will only repair authentic bags.

What color is the inside of a real Louis Vuitton bag? ›

Although Louis Vuitton often uses different linings for different collections, Monogram canvas bags are generally lined in brown cotton, and Damier Ebene Canvas bags are historically lined in red microfiber.

How do you tell if a Louis Vuitton on the go bag is real? ›

Most obvious is the color of the leather on the fake bag, which attempts to mimic the Louis Vuitton By the Pool collection; the color doesn't match the real deal. Another red flag is the stitching on the fake Onthego – it uses low-quality, overly shiny threads that don't meet LV's high standards.

Can two LV bags have the same date code? ›

Note that because date codes are not unique serial numbers, meaning multiple items will have the same date code if they were made in the same Louis Vuitton artisan workshops at the same time.

How to check date code? ›

The first two numbers stand for the year, while the last three numbers represent the day of the year. For example, if the code was 11322, you would know that the food was manufactured on the 322 day of 2011, or November 22nd, 2011.

Is Louis Vuitton getting rid of date code? ›

Since 2021, Louis Vuitton have removed date codes from many of their bags and have replaced these with microchips. The primary aim of this was to tackle counterfeits – as these microchips are invisible to the naked eye and can only be identified by scanning them in an official Louis Vuitton store.

What is the date code DK for Louis Vuitton? ›

Louis Vuitton country code guide

There are two notable codes that have special meanings: AAS – this country code is used exclusively for special order items. DK – this country code is used exclusively for relined items.

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