How To Read Louis Vuitton Date Codes ? The Ultimate Guide

The house of Louis Vuitton is synonymous with timeless luxury and expert craftsmanship. From the iconic Speedy, Neverfull, and Alma to the Pochette Métis and Capucines, each bag carries a legacy of elegance and innovation. When shopping for a Louis Vuitton piece—especially a vintage or pre-loved one—you may encounter a small series of letters and numbers stamped discreetly inside the bag. These are known as date codes.

This guide will help you understand how to read a Louis Vuitton date code, determine when and where your bag was made, and learn how recent updates—such as microchip authentication—have replaced traditional codes in modern models.

Do Louis Vuitton Bags Have Serial Numbers?

No, Louis Vuitton bags do not have serial numbers.
Instead, they feature date codes, which indicate the date and location of manufacture. These codes have appeared in various formats over the years and are not unique identifiers—meaning multiple bags can share the same code.

Unlike brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton has never issued authenticity cards with its handbags. Instead, the date code serves as a production reference, though it cannot confirm authenticity on its own.

Understanding Louis Vuitton Date Codes

Location and Presentation of Date Codes

The placement and presentation of Louis Vuitton date codes vary depending on the model, material, and year of production.

• Most date codes are embossed on a leather tab sewn into an interior seam.

• Others are stamped directly into the lining or printed in foil inside the pocket.

• On older models, date codes may appear near the handles or under interior pockets (e.g., Speedy bags).

• The leather tab matches the bag’s trim—Vachetta leather for Monogram Canvas, or brown coated leather for Damier Ebene.

If your bag has a missing or faded code, don’t panic—older codes can wear off, and post-2021 bags no longer include physical codes at all.

Decoding the Date Code

Louis Vuitton has changed its date code format several times since the early 1980s. Here’s how to interpret each era’s system:

Before 1982

Louis Vuitton did not use date codes before this period.

2021 – Present

As of March 1, 2021, Louis Vuitton discontinued physical date codes in favor of embedded microchips.

• These microchips are encrypted and accessible only by Louis Vuitton boutiques using secure scanners.

• The chip contains basic product details (e.g., model, materials) but no personal data.

• This innovation enhances anti-counterfeiting and simplifies repair tracking.

Factory (Country) Codes

Each two-letter code represents the country where the bag was made. Ensure this matches the “Made in ___” stamp on your bag—mismatches often signal counterfeits.

France:

A0, A1, A2, AA, AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, CO, CT, DU, ET, FL, LA, LM, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TH, TJ, TR, TS, TY, VI, VX

Italy:

BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, NZ, PL, RC, RE, SA, TB, TD

Spain:

CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB

USA:

FC, FH, FL, LA, OS, SD, TX

Germany:

LP

Switzerland:

DI, FA

Identifying the Year of Your Louis Vuitton Bag

Examining the Date Code

If your bag was made before 2021, the date code will reveal its production time frame and factory. Use the number sequence to determine the week or month and year, depending on the format.

Checking the Heat Stamp

The Louis Vuitton logo inside the bag can help confirm production era:

• Older bags feature deeper, thicker embossing and rounded fonts.

• Modern bags (2010s onward) use cleaner, sharper lettering.

Ensure the country of origin on the stamp matches your factory code.

Studying the Design and Hardware

Certain bag styles correspond to specific eras.

• The Speedy and Alma date back to the mid-1900s.

• The Neverfull was introduced in 2007, so any Neverfull with a 2004 code is fake.

• Hardware details—zipper pulls, clasps, rivets—can vary by decade, reflecting changes in materials and finishes.

Reviewing the Lining and Materials

Material Quality

Louis Vuitton’s materials have evolved, from classic Monogram canvas and Epi leather to Empreinte and Vernis. The texture, grain, and patina development can all hint at the bag’s age.

Lining Patterns

Different linings—such as Alcantara micro-suede, canvas, or cross-grain leather—can also help narrow down the era. Vintage models often feature beige cotton or brown cross-grain linings.

Irregularities to Note

While Louis Vuitton has long upheld strict control over its craftsmanship and production, there were rare moments in its history when licensed manufacturers were permitted to create select pieces under the brand’s name. These collaborations produced authentic items that may not perfectly align with traditional Louis Vuitton construction—and are often misunderstood in today’s vintage market.

The French Luggage Company

During the mid-20th century, The French Luggage Company (FLC) was granted exclusive rights to manufacture Louis Vuitton products in the United States using the brand’s signature Monogram Canvas. To differentiate them from Parisian-made models, FLC bags featured slight design variations—a reflection of both regional craftsmanship and production practicality.

Instead of untreated Vachetta leather, these pieces often used a coated leather trim designed to mimic its appearance, paired with brass hardware that differed subtly from Louis Vuitton’s own fittings. Inside, each bag originally included a Tyvek identification tag, though these lightweight tags frequently detached or deteriorated over time.

While the exact retail channels remain somewhat unclear, it’s believed that The French Luggage Company distributed its pieces through select department stores and specialty retailers, offering American clients a localized version of Louis Vuitton’s luxury.

Department Store Collaborations

Around the same period, Saks Fifth Avenue also held a license to produce limited Louis Vuitton-branded items crafted with Monogram Canvas. These pieces shared many construction traits with FLC models, including the coated leather trim and brass detailing, but featured distinctive identifiers—either a metal nameplate engraved with “Saks Fifth Avenue” or “Neiman Marcus”, or a foil-stamped logo inside the lining.

Some examples even appear to merge both styles, suggesting a collaborative relationship between The French Luggage Company and these department stores.

Although these variations differ slightly from Louis Vuitton’s traditional European standards, they are recognized as authentic, licensed products from an era when the brand briefly experimented with American partnerships. For collectors, these pieces offer a rare glimpse into Louis Vuitton’s early expansion beyond France—an unusual but legitimate part of the maison’s storied legacy

Authentication and Counterfeit Awareness

Authenticity Verification

While date codes provide useful clues, they are not proof of authenticity. Counterfeiters often include fake codes that appear legitimate.

To confirm authenticity:

• Examine craftsmanship, stitching, materials, and hardware.

• Compare your code’s country with the “Made in” stamp.

• Consider a professional authentication service before purchasing or reselling.

The Counterfeit Market

Louis Vuitton’s popularity has made it one of the most counterfeited luxury brands. Fakes often feature incorrect date code placement, mismatched country codes, or inconsistent font embossing. Always purchase from reputable sellers offering authenticity guarantees.

Conclusion

Understanding your Louis Vuitton date code can unlock the history behind your bag—revealing when and where it was crafted. From the early 1980s embossed codes to the high-tech microchip era, these details reflect the evolution of Louis Vuitton’s craftsmanship and security measures.

Whether you’re a collector, reseller, or first-time buyer, learning to decode these markings will help you make informed, confident purchases. However, remember: a date code alone does not authenticate a bag—always consult professionals and buy only from trusted sources.

Owning a genuine Louis Vuitton piece is more than a fashion choice; it’s an investment in heritage, artistry, and enduring luxury.