How to Check a Louis Vuitton Serial Number
Did you know that you can learn a lot about a Louis Vuitton bag’s origin by looking at its date code? It is the key to finding out when and where a piece was manufactured. When you are shopping for a vintage Louis Vuitton, one of the first things you’ll want to look for is the date code. Unlike other designer brands, Louis Vuitton is unique in that each bag is marked with specific information about exactly where and when it was produced.
Louis Vuitton has been placing date codes in almost every newly manufactured bag, wallet and SLG since the early 1980s. Sometimes date codes are hidden and may be difficult to find, but in most cases they are visibly stamped on the lining or onto an attached tag.
Louis Vuitton has changed the date code configuration multiple times, but the date code will always contain letters and/or numbers. The date code on a Louis Vuitton tells the country and date of origin for a bag. Depending on the year of production the date code will contain a different variation of letters and/or numbers. While all Louis Vuitton bags have date codes you must remember that it alone does not tell you if a bag is authentic. It is merely just one piece of the puzzle.
Before 1982
No date codes. Louis Vuitton did not use date codes before 1982, therefore older vintage pieces can not be pinpointed as accurately as newer ones.
1982 to Mid 1980s
Three / four digit date codes. Vuitton’s first usage of dates codes began in 1982. These codes consist of three to four digit numbers, and no letters. The first two numbers indicate the year, and the last one or two numbers indicate the month.
Mid to Late 1980s
Three / four digit date codes with two letters. Louis Vuitton changed the date code system in the 1980s. To include letters that indicate the factory where pieces were manufactured. Like in the early 1980s, the first two numbers indicate the year. And the last one or two numbers indicate the month.
1990 to 2006
Date codes with two letters and four digits. Early in 1990, Louis Vuitton moved the factory letters to the front and revised the numbering on its date codes. The first and third numbers represent the month, and the second and fourth numbers represent the year. For example, TH 1912 is November 1992
2007 to 2021
Two letters and four digits. In 2007, Louis Vuitton changed the four digit numbering system. Instead of indicating the month an item was manufactured, the first and third numbers now represent the week. The second and fourth numbers still represent the year. The letters continued to represent the specific factory where the item was manufactured. After almost two decades of one date code formatting. With just a slight change, they started tracking by week instead of the month. Instead of knowing that your bag was made in France in May. You can now know that your bag was made in the 20th week of that year. For example, TH 2059 is 25th week of 2009.
2021 to Present – RFID Microchips
- If your bag was made after March 2021 and has no visible date code, this is completely normal.
- To scan for a microchip, you could use an NFC reader app on your phone.
- The microchip is not intended as a consumer “scan to verify” feature, so you cannot independently confirm authenticity from the chip alone. Therefore, professional authentication is still recommended for second-hand purchases.
Louis Vuitton Date Code Factory Chart – By Country
Tracking the country of origin on your Louis Vuitton is done by using two simple letters. Now, there are many exceptions to country codes. While not a conclusive list, here are the date codes and the country of origin they typically represent on a Louis Vuitton handbag.
| France | A0, A1, A2, AA, AH, AN, AR, AS, AX, BA, BJ, BU, CT, CV, DR, DU, ET, FL, GR, IT, LW, MB, MS, MI, NO, RA, RE (also Italy), RI, SA (also Italy), SD (also USA), SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TH, TJ, TN, TR, TS, VI, V.I. |
| Germany | LP, OL |
| Italy | BO, CE, FA, FO, RE, MA, NQ, PL, RC, RO, SA (also France), ST, TD, LE |
| USA | FC, FH, OS, SD (also France), LA, |
| Spain | CA, CR, GI, LB, LM, LO, LW |
| Switzerland | DI, FA (also Italy) |
Does a Date Code Prove Authenticity?
A date code alone does not prove a bag is authentic. Counterfeiters have long been able to replicate date codes, so while a correct date code is a good sign, it should only ever be one part of your authentication check. Look at stitching quality, hardware, monogram alignment, and the feel of the canvas alongside the date code. For total peace of mind, use a professional authentication service.
Where to Buy Authenticated Louis Vuitton
If you’re researching date codes because you’re considering a second-hand purchase, the safest route is to buy from a reputable pre-owned luxury platform where every item is authenticated before listing. Platforms like The RealReal and Rebag both have authentication guarantees built in.
How to Care for Your Louis Vuitton
Once you’ve confirmed your bag is authentic, protecting your investment is key.
A good leather conditioner:
a proper dust bag for storage:
and a bag organiser insert to maintain the shape are all worth having.
