Did you know you can learn about ? louis vuitton Do you check bag details by looking at the date code? The key is to find out when and where the work was created. Date codes are also one of the many aspects we look at in our work. Certification Process. One of the most useful ways to check if your Louis Vuitton bag is authentic is to check its date code. This is because, unlike other brands such as Chanel, LV wallets do not come with genuine cards.

Louis Vuitton has been embedding date codes on nearly every bag, wallet, shoe style, and small leather item since the early 1980s. Before the 1980s, there was no such thing as a Louis Vuitton date code, making it difficult to date vintage pieces. Sometimes the date code can be difficult to find because it is hidden and usually stamped on a leather tab inside the lining or pocket.

When searching for the date code inside your handbag, first check the following locations:

• Stitched leather tabs to edges of interior pockets.

• The underside of the inner leather tab, usually with a D-ring attached.

• It is attached directly to the lining of the product and is usually located horizontally or vertically on the inner edge of the pocket. *This type of date code can be the most difficult to find because it tends to fade with use over time.

• Below hanging pocket (for Speedy and Neverfull bag styles)

Louis Vuitton has changed the date code configuration several times, but the date code always contains letters and/or numbers. A counterfeit bag may have a date code that makes it look authentic, but there are many other details to review when considering authenticity. Here's a quick guide to deciphering what date codes mean and what the future holds for them as of 2021.

(Newsletter)

Early 1980s and earlier: No date code

Louis Vuitton did not use date codes before 1982, so older vintage pieces cannot be identified as accurately as newer pieces.

1982 to mid-1980s Date code: 3 or 4 digits

Vuitton's first foray into date codes began in 1982. This code consists of 3 to 4 numbers and does not contain any letters. The first two numbers indicate the year, and the last one or two numbers indicate the month of manufacture.

* The date code “853” on the bag above indicates it was manufactured in March 1985.

Mid to late 1980s date code: 3- or 4-digit number consisting of 2 letters

Louis Vuitton changed its date code system in the mid-80s to include letters indicating the location of its manufacturing plant. In early 1980s date codes, the first two numbers represent the year and the last one or two digits represent the month of manufacture.

* The “874 SL” date code above indicates that the bag was manufactured in France in April 1987.

Date code from early 1990 to 2006: 2 4-character characters

In the early 1990s, Louis Vuitton moved the factory letter before the date code and revised its numbering system. In this format, the first and third numbers represent the month and the second and fourth numbers represent the year of manufacture.

* The “FL0041” date code above indicates that the bag was produced in France in April 2001.

2007 – early 2021: 4 digits, 2 letters (number system revised)

In 2007, Louis Vuitton changed its four-digit number system format. Instead of indicating the month the item was manufactured, the first and third numbers now indicate the week, and the second and fourth numbers still indicate the year. The letters go on to indicate the specific factory where the item was manufactured.
The exception to this rule is sunglasses. Sunglasses may have a date code of one letter and four numbers, which is slightly different from other date code formats.

* The above product code 'AH2105' indicates that the bag was produced in France in the 20th week of 2015. May of that year was the 20th week.

Now: RFID microchips

From March 1, 2021, Louis Vuitton began replacing date codes on products with radio frequency identification (RFID) microchips, and from March 31, all products will no longer include date codes. With the removal of date codes and the implementation of microchips, only Louis Vuitton stores can scan the chip to receive manufacturing information, including the product's name, date, ingredients, etc. The only identifier these items will continue to include is Made in Stamping if they are not manufactured in the United States.

Louis Vuitton Date Code Factory Chart

We've included an easy-to-read chart with Louis Vuitton factory codes below.

*If the product is relined, Louis Vuitton will issue a new date code including the factory location code “DK”. Please keep in mind that the factory location of the re-lined date code may conflict with the “made in” stamp on the outside of the bag (if applicable). For example, if a bag has been relined, the interior may say “Made in France” but the exterior stamping may say “Made in USA,” matching the original country of origin.

Don't forget to learn more. Identifying Genuine Louis Vuitton Pieces and Methods Clean your Louis bag safely.

***Couture USA only authenticates items that you wish to sell or consign to us.

There are several companies that provide authentication services. Mypoupette, CarolDiva, and Authenticate4U are all reputable authentication companies that will be happy to review your items for a small fee. ***

(minimenu)

(Updated May 2021)