Crack the Code & Discover Your Bag’s True Age in Minutes!
Louis Vuitton Date Code: Find Out When Your LV bag Was Made
Are you curious about the history of your Louis Vuitton bag? Or maybe you’re considering a pre-loved LV purchase and want to ensure it’s the real deal? Understanding Louis Vuitton’s date codes is your key to unlocking the story behind your bag. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what date codes are, where to find them, how to read them, and how they can help with authentication—all while keeping it simple and easy to follow.
1. What is Louis Vuitton’s Date Code?
Louis Vuitton uses date codes instead of serial numbers to identify when and where their bags were made. These codes were introduced in the early 1980s and were used until March 2021, when Louis Vuitton began embedding microchips in their products for enhanced authentication. Date codes are a combination of letters and numbers that reveal the manufacturing date and location of your bag. They’re not unique serial numbers, so multiple bags from the same batch share the same code. But they’re a helpful tool for you to spot fakes.
2. Where to Find the Date Code
Date codes are typically located inside the bag. You’ll often find them on a small leather tab sewn into a seam or directly embossed on the lining. The exact spot can vary depending on the bag model, but it’s usually tucked away discreetly in the main compartment. For example:
On Neverfull, the date code is hidden under the pocket.
On Speedy, it’s on a small Vachetta leather tab. (The leather tab usually matches the bag’s trim leather in color and texture)
In some models, it may be embossed along the top edge of the bag’s interior.
3. How to Read Date Codes
Louis Vuitton has used different date code formats over the years. Below is a clear breakdown of each era, along with examples to help you decode your bag’s code.
Pre-1980: No date codes.
1980–1985: 3 digits → *821* = January 1982.
1985–1989: AB123 → First two digits = year, third = month (e.g., TH892 = February 1989).
1990–2006: AB1234 → Positions 1 & 3 = month, 2 & 4 = year (e.g., “VI1025” = December 2005).
2007–Now: AB1234 → Positions 1 & 3 = week, 2 & 4 = year (e.g., TR4150, 45th week of 2010).
Made in the 32nd week of 2008
4. Factory Codes by Country
The letters in the date code represent the factory where the bag was made. Here’s a comprehensive list of factory codes by country:
Notes:
Some codes (e.g., FA, RE, SA, SD) may appear in multiple countries (e.g., FA in France, Italy, or Switzerland).
Special codes like VI (private custom orders) or DK (store repairs) are rare and indicate unique circumstances.
5. How to Authenticate Your LV via Date Stamps
A. Match format to era: Ensure your bag style matches the code period—e.g., a 1970s Speedy shouldn’t have a 1990s code.
B. Check factory letters: Cross‑reference letters with known lists—invalid codes often betray fakes.
C. Inspect stamp quality: Genuine codes are crisp and evenly embossed; blurry or uneven stamps are red flags.
D. Combine with other checks: Always pair date codes with hardware, stitching, and material inspections for a full authentication.
6. Learn More Luxury Authentication Tips at AuthClass
Want to become a pro at spotting real luxury bags? If you’re passionate about high-end fashion and want to master luxury authentication for brands like Hermes and Louis Vuitton, our online course at AuthClass is perfect for you. Whether you want to become a luxury reseller or open a consignment store, AuthClass equips you with the skills and confidence to succeed. You’ll learn all the essential tips and tricks to verify authenticity, protect yourself from counterfeits, build trust within the resale market, and make confident purchases. Don’t miss out—enroll today and take your luxury knowledge to the next level!
Official Website: https://authclass.com
Enroll Now: https://authclass.com/courses/hermes-authentication-course
