Louis Vuitton Date Code Guide
Louis Vuitton Date Code is a combination of numbers and characters that allows you to identify where and when a particular Louis Vuitton item was made. Unlike Chanel bag code, for instance, this number is not unique (cause there can be multiple items manufactured on the same date) and cannot be considered a serial number.
Checking date codes is just one of the authentication steps, still a very important one.
I am proud to announce that we finally launched the Louis Vuitton Date code checker on Bagaholic TV! Now you have a place to look up Louis Vuitton date codes, just type the date code into the checker and learn if it's valid or not.
But wait, there are so many questions on LV date codes that we decided to prepare an extensive guide. Enjoy our Louis Vuitton Date Codes FAQ to find all the information relevant to the date codes! And if you have a question - just ask!
What is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?
What Does a Louis Vuitton Date Code Mean?
Louis Vuitton Date Code is a combination of numbers and characters that allows you to identify where and when the item was made. Unlike Chanel bag code, for instance, this number is not unique and cannot be considered a serial number.
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 production. According to the format of the date code, you can find out how old is your item:
No date code.
Before 1980s. Louis Vuitton items made prior to 1980 have no date codes.
818
Early 1980s. Three or four numbers with the first two numbers representing the year and last number(s) representing the month. E.g. "818" would indicate a manufacturing date of August, 1981.
8511VX
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. "8511VX" would indicate a manufacturing date of November, 1985 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.
VI1025
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.
FO3057
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, “FO3057” would indicate a factory location of Italy and a manufacturing date of the 35 week (or May) of 2007
Louis Vuitton Manufacturing Country Codes
Note this is not a complete list.
France A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special Order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, DR, DT, CO, CT, CX, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, MS, NO, RA, RI, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TJ, TH, TR, TS, VI, VX
Germany LP, OL
Italy BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, OB, RC, RE, SA, TD
Spain BC, CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB
Switzerland DI, FA
USA FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL, TX
Where Can I Find a Date Code?
Louis Vuitton date codes are always on the different parts of the bag. Even the same model can have date codes on different parts of the bag in different years. Typically a date code would be on the lining of the bag. Most typical but not exclusive place for a date code is an inside pocket (stamped to the lining or embossed on a separate leather tag close to the sewing). The date code can be stamped on a leather tag inside, to the lining or to the vachetta (white leather) parts.
Inside lining
Embossed onto vachetta under the inside pocket (Speedy)
Leather tag (most typically in the pockets)
To find a date code on your Louis Vuitton item, try the following:
1) Examine the inside lining, especially the pockets, including the lining.
2) Try searching your bag model on the Internet. That might give you a hint where to look.
3) The date code may be worn off so look closely.
Same Date Code for Two or More LV Items, is it Possible?
Yes. Louis Vuitton Date Code represents just the country where the items was manufactured, the year of production and week/month of production. Multiple items may have the same code as multiple items are manufactured the same year, same week and in the same country.
How do I use the Date Code Checker?
Simply type the bag/acessory code and follow the instructions. After you get the country where the handbag was made, compare it to the country embossed on the 'made in' tag. If they are not the same, then you definitely know that the item is not authentic.
If the Checker says that the date is correct, does it mean that the item is authentic?
No. But if you see discrepancies like the item was made on 64th week or this date code is simply not valid.
Is the date code always in the same place for the same model?
No. It really depends on the model. If you found pics of you bag on the Internet and the date code is in another place, that does not mean anything. Take for instance Alma. Depending on the model and year, the date code can be at least at three different locations.
My item does not have a date code!
Here's what might be the explanation:
1) Your item is vintage and was manufactured before 1980
2) The code was stamped into lining and worn off. It is very typical for alcantra lining. Looks at the examples below - it's barely visible.
3) In very unusual and rare circumstances an authentic LV item may not have a date code. The reasons may be that it was not stamped in LV or the vachetta part the date code was embossed on was replaced in LV service (if the bag has been taken to the official service). These cases are very rare and personally I do not recommend to buy preloved LV items with no date code.
Check your Louis Vuitton Date code via the Awesome LV Date Code Checker!
