Louis Vuitton Date Codes Explained: The Complete Guide (1982–2021)
Have you ever looked inside your Louis Vuitton bag and spotted a seemingly random combination of letters and numbers, you’ve probably wondered what it means. Is it a serial number? Can it prove authenticity? And why do some Louis Vuitton bags not have one at all?
The answer is that what you’re looking at is a Louis Vuitton date code.
Unlike a serial number, a date code isn’t unique to a single handbag. Instead, it reveals when and where your Louis Vuitton item was manufactured, making it a useful tool for dating vintage pieces and verifying whether the details of a bag make sense.
As someone who’s spent years collecting Louis Vuitton and buying pre-loved bags, I always check the date code whenever I’m evaluating a piece—but never in isolation. Modern counterfeiters have become remarkably good at copying date codes, so they’re only one part of the authentication process.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how Louis Vuitton date codes work, how the system has changed over the years, where to find them, and why the brand decided to stop using them altogether.
Louis Vuitton Date Codes at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of how Louis Vuitton’s date code system evolved.
| Production Years | Format | What It Means |
| Before 1982 | No date code | Most items weren’t date coded |
| 1982–1985 | Three or four numbers | Month and year of production |
| 1985–1989 | Two letters + three/four numbers | Factory location, month and year |
| 1990–2006 | Two letters + four numbers | Factory location, month and year |
| 2007–2021 | Two letters + four numbers | Factory location, production week and year |
| Spring 2021 onwards | NFC microchip | No visible date code |
What Is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?
A Louis Vuitton date code is a manufacturing code that indicates where an item was produced and when it was made.
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t a serial number. Because date codes identify a production batch rather than an individual item, multiple Louis Vuitton bags manufactured in the same factory during the same period can legitimately share exactly the same code.
This is actually one of the most common misconceptions I encounter among first-time luxury buyers!
Can a Louis Vuitton Date Code Prove Authenticity?
No.
This is probably the single biggest myth surrounding Louis Vuitton authentication.
Although a genuine Louis Vuitton bag should have a date code if it was produced between the early 1980s and Spring 2021 (with a few exceptions), the presence of a date code alone doesn’t guarantee authenticity.
Today’s counterfeiters routinely copy authentic date codes onto fake bags, meaning a convincing code tells you very little on its own.
Instead, think of the date code as one piece of a much larger puzzle.
When authenticating a Louis Vuitton bag, I also examine:
- the heat stamp;
- stitching quality;
- canvas and leather;
- hardware;
- construction;
- proportions;
- font details;
- overall craftsmanship.
Only when all of these elements align can you confidently assess authenticity.
One Easy Way to Spot an Incorrect Date Code
While date codes can’t confirm authenticity on their own, they can sometimes reveal an obvious fake.
One of the first things I check is whether the factory code matches the “Made in” stamp inside the bag.
For example:
- A bag with the factory code FC should say Made in USA.
- A bag with SP should say Made in France.
If the factory code points to one country but the heat stamp says another, that’s an obvious red flag!
Where Can You Find a Louis Vuitton Date Code?
Typically, you will find a date code on the interior lining of a Louis Vuitton handbag. However, it’s not the only place where the date codes are found. Actually, it can be rather tricky to find the date code on a handbag, as different bags might have them in different places. Here are the three most common places to find the Louis Vuitton date codes:
- Embossed on a leather tab stitched into the handbag lining;
- Embossed on a leather tab stitched onto the pocket’s interior seam;
- Stamped directly on the fabric (also on the handbag interior).
Wallets, small leather goods and luggage often have their own specific placements, so don’t be surprised if yours isn’t exactly where you expected.
How to Read a Louis Vuitton Date Code
Although the formatting changed several times over the years, every Louis Vuitton date code follows the same basic idea:
- letters identify the factory location;
- numbers identify when the item was produced.
Exactly how those numbers are interpreted depends on the production year.
Louis Vuitton Factory Codes
| Country | Louis Vuitton Factory Codes |
| France | A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS, AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, CO, CT, CX, DR, DT, DU, ET, FL (also applies to USA), LA (also applies to USA), LM (also applies to Spain), LW, MB, MI, ML, MM, NO, RA, RI, SA (also applies to Italy), SD (also applies to USA), SF, SK, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TH, TJ, TN, TR, TS, TY, VI, VX |
| Spain | BC (also applies to Italy), CA, LO, LB, LM (also applies to France), LW, GI, UB |
| Italy | BC (also applies to Spain), BO, CE, FH (also applies to USA), FO, FP, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, SA (also applies to France), TB, TD |
| USA | FC, FH (also applies to Italy), FL (also applies to France), LA (also applies to France), OS, SD (also applies to France), TX |
| Germany | LP, OL |
| Switzerland | DI, FA |
Louis Vuitton Date Code Timeline
Before 1982
Most Louis Vuitton bags produced before the early 1980s don’t have a date code.
Therefore, if you’re evaluating a vintage piece from this era and don’t find a date code, know that this isn’t anything unusual.
1982 to 1985
Around 1982, Louis Vuitton started using 3 or 4 digit codes to represent the year and the month in which the item was made. The first two numbers represent the year and the last number (numbers), the month. For example, a “853” date code on the bag above indicates that the handbag was produced in March of 1985.
1985 to 1989
In the mid-1980’s, Louis Vuitton changed their date code system for the first time. Now, the date codes were to consist of two letters, representing the factory location country and three or four digits that identified the year and the month the item was manufactured.
1990-2006
Louis Vuitton changed their date code system again around 1990. This time to two letters followed by four digits. The first two letters in the date code identify the factory location. The following four digits can be read as follows: the first and third numbers represent the month and the second and fourth numbers represent the year of production. The “SD0072” date code seen on the image above, indicates that the particular Louis Vuitton handbag was made in either France or the U.S. in July of 2002.
2007-2020
In 2007, the Louis Vuitton date code system was changed yet again. However, this time, the change wasn’t so major. The new date codes remained in the old format: as two letters followed by four digits. However, with a slight twist. Now, the first and third numbers represent the week the item was manufactured (instead of the month). The second and forth numbers keep representing the year. For example, the “TR1183” date code on the image above, indicates that the bag was made in France, during the 18th week of 2013.
2021-Today
The most significant change to the Louis Vuitton date code system came in 2021, when the brand decided to phase those out entirely in favor of microchips. This was presumably done to tackle the ever-growing counterfeit market. Learn more in my dedicated guide to Louis Vuitton Microchips.
My Louis Vuitton Bag Doesn’t Have a Date Code. Is It Fake?
Not necessarily. Remember I earlier mentioned that vintage LV items (made pre-1982) do not have date codes? Well, much like many LV items produced after Spring 2021! So if your vintage or newer LV handbag doesn’t have a date code in it, don’t worry, as it might simply be an older bag, or a bag produced after the date code system was abolished. Oh, and don’t forget that date codes can also naturally fade with time!
Louis Vuitton Date Codes: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Date codes aren’t unique serial numbers. Multiple bags produced in the same factory during the same production period can share the exact same code.
Absolutely. Louis Vuitton has manufactured handbags in the United States for decades, alongside factories in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Learn more in my guide to Where Louis Vuitton Bags Are Made?
No. Bags made before the early 1980s generally don’t have date codes, while bags produced since Spring 2021 use NFC microchips instead.
Not officially. Louis Vuitton doesn’t provide a public database for checking date codes, and third-party lookup tools should be treated with caution.
No. Missing, faded or absent date codes can all occur on authentic Louis Vuitton bags depending on their age, condition and production year.
Feel free to leave any of your LV Date Code questions below!
xoxo’s, Masha
I have a Louis Vuitton bag that I KNOW is real because I purchased it at the Flagship store in Paris on my 21st birthday. I’ve turned it upside down and inside out and there isn’t a serial number or date code to be found. Help!
Hi Diana! Many thanks for your comment. If you purchased your handbag just recently, it likely doesn’t have a date code. That’s because earlier this year, Louis Vuitton has switched from using date codes to placing microchips inside their SLG’s and handbags. If you bought your bag after March 2021, chances are that it already has a microchip inside it. So, there’s no date code to be found. However, if you bought your bag earlier, it should have a date code. If I were you, I’d try to look up the bag on resale sites, as they often feature date code photos inside their listings. This could be a way to find out where the date code is located. I hope it helps!
Hi
I’m buying a sistina mm damier lv bag online. It is fl1097 but written made in spain. Confiuos about it, but i also saw in a Web there is something like this. May i have your view on this mam
Thanks
Hi there! This is indeed confusing, because “FL” corresponds to either France or USA. I haven’t seen any Made in Spain LV bags with date codes which start with “FL”. If you are going to buy the bag, maybe consider getting it authenticated, just to make sure that it’s authentic. Professional authenticators should also know more about date codes.
Hope it helps!
Dear Masha,
I bought my LV from the LV boutique in Vienna in 2019. When I run through the date code on the LV date code checker, it says it’s invalid. I don’t think a boutique would sell a fake item but would like to hear your opinion on this. Many thanks
Dear Vim,
Thank you very much for your comment. It is likely that the online LV date code checker you’ve used is out of date. Many of those are. That’s why it says the date code is invalid. I think if you bought your item directly from the boutique, there’s nothing to worry about.
Masha
HI, I just received my bag from Fashionphile and the bag looks amazing. Everything feels right except for the date code; it reads AR8909. So it looks like it was made in France in 1999 but the first and third digit reads 80. If it represents the month of August, it should read 08 and if it represents weeks…I don’t think the year 1999 had 80 weeks, lol. I would like to hear your opinion on this. Maybe there is another way of reading this? Many thanks.
Hi there,
It looks like your bag was made in France, but I am not sure when exactly. Louis Vuitton started using letters in date codes around the mid-late 1980s. Back then, the first two digits represented the year and the other two the month the item was produced. I think your bag could be made in September 1989 in France, but I am not sure. Perhaps, you could reach out to Fashionphile for clarification? I am sure they would be more than happy to help you!
All the best,
Masha
i just bought a vintage and the date code is M1091I . I tried using tools to verify hut doesn’t show up. And there is no history of LV ever making date code using one leter at the front and another letter at the end. What do you think?
Hi! I’ve just tried to verify your date code too, and it doesn’t show up as valid in any of the tools. Would you perhaps be able to share the name of the bag you’ve purchased (if you know it) and where you’ve purchased it from?
All the best,
Masha
Thanks for the helpful info, so I just received my vintage LV bag, it looks authentic and has the date stamp which look original and the bag is lovely and in vintage state, however, the made in part is missing the stamp, so it only has a plane square piece of leather sticked on the inside with no writing at all, no made in details at all, what are you r thoughts about this? I never seen anything like this? Have you come across thus before?
Hi there and many thanks for your comment! Yes, I’ve actually seen this before. In fact, Louis Vuitton items made in the USA are quite often missing the “Made in” stamp.
Hello I purchased my LV wallet I’m Italy on a flagship and the date code is two letters and three numbers ! Have you seen this before. And is it authentic??? Please help
Hi Dee! I have never seen this before, but if you’ve purchased your wallet directly from LV, it should be authentic. However, if you’re still in doubt, I would suggest that you contact your local LV boutique and inquire about this. Hope it helps!
Hi, I l purchased a pre-owed Cabas Mezzo 2 years ago. The date code is AD0307. I thought it was real without a doubt so I never looked it up. I just tried to sell it and was asked about the date of the bag so I looked the code up and I cannot find AD on any checker. I took the listing down but is this a fake code? I am so bummed if I got scammed.
Thanks
Hi there! Not sure if the date code is fake, but I couldn’t find “AD” either. The only thing that goes into my mind to suggest is to get the bag professionally authenticated by a third party. Perhaps that could give you some piece of mind. Hoping you didn’t get scammed!
Thanks. I’m embarrassed to bring it into LV. I will see if there is an authenticator in the area.
Thank you so much!!
Janet
You’re welcome! You could also maybe try an online bag authentication service. I’ve heard “Real Authentication” are pretty good in detecting LV fakes!
Thanks!!
You’re welcome!
I recently purchased a Speedy Damier azur ab0168 but not sure if it’s real I put in date code it says invalid and my bag says Made in France. Please help I would appreciate it.
Hi there! I would highly recommend to get bag professionally authenticated if you doubt its authenticity. Try checking a service like “Real Authentication”. They offer luxury designer authentication services online and seem to be really good in detecting fakes. Hope it helps!
Hi! I got the LV deauville monogram bag from a fundraising raffle. It’s used already but still in good conditon and it comes with a dust bag, lock & key, authentication certificate from ProAuthenticators. But when I check the date code on the bag itself there is no markings on. Could it be earase from normal use or it really don’t have a code? Just wondering.
Hi there! Older LV bags don’t necessarily have date codes in them. But it could also be that your date code simply faded away. I’ve seen this happening before.
Another question. Ihave this vintage epi bag the number only LV168. I try to search but cannot find the match of it. Thank you
Well, Louis Vuitton introduced Epi leather in 1985 and back then date codes consisted of two letters and three or four numbers. So, it might very well be that this code is legit.
Hi,
I have a vintage keepall 50. It says Made in France and the only date code I can see is SD. There is no numbers. I am pretty sure this is authentic but I cannot find any article online regarding a date code with no numbers? Please help. thank you
Hi there,
I haven’t heard of LV date codes without numbers. However, I have heard about date codes fading away with time! Perhaps that is what happened here. Especially, since you’re confident your handbag is authentic!
Hope it helps!
I bought a pre-owned LV Monogram Roses Speedy 30 and was told it was authentic but the date code does not come up as valid LS0035. I also bought from The Real Real a piece of luggage that I paid 800.00 and I think the date code was just reused to try and fool the retailer and also the buyer. It’s supposed to be a 1990’s suitcase but as soon as I saw it and some of the materials used, I knew I was sold a counterfeit bag. There is no patina on this bag after 30 years and the rubber bottom is just another give away. I have not been able to find one other suitcase from the 90’s that looks anything like this so I am going back and forth with The Real Real about the validity of the bag. Very disappointing.
Hi Pamela and I am so sorry to hear about your problem! I hope The Real Real can sort this out for you (at least for the piece of luggage)! I know you can ask LV to replace old vachetta for new one, but not sure about the rubber bottom (perhaps someone got their bag spa’d and then sold it off? Just a thought). And about the Monogram Roses Speedy 30: I can confirm that LS0035 is not a valid date code. Take care and feel free to reach out at any time if you have any other questions – I’ll be happy to assist. All the best, Masha.
So what good is a microchip if the customer has no way of checking it or finding it or reading it?
Technically, you could scan it using an NFC app. However, from what I know, the information you are going to see will be very minimal—not enough to authenticate an item. But microchips were also not meant for that. In fact, to properly authenticate a piece from LV, you also have to carefully examine the hardware, engravings, stitching, etc. The chip is mainly a tool for the brand’s internal use—helping with tracking sales, repairs, and inventory—not a standalone verification method for customers.