"How old is my Louis Vuitton bag?"
This is a question we get asked a lot. A great question, since all of our items are vintage and some of them have a quite some history! Luckily we are most of the time able to tell you when and where a Louis Vuitton bag was made thanks to the so called “date code”.
What is a date code?
Louis Vuitton uses date codes, not serial numbers, to indicate an item's manufacturing date and location. While the date code alone doesn’t guarantee authenticity—since counterfeits may also have fake codes—it’s an important factor. Always check that the country code matches the “made-in” stamp inside the bag; if not, it’s likely fake. Authentic date codes also use a specific Louis Vuitton font.
Do all Louis Vuitton items have date codes?
Not all Louis Vuitton items have date codes. Date codes were introduced in 1982, but recently, Louis Vuitton replaced them with embedded data chips, allowing easier authentication, repair tracking, and manufacturing date checks. Some items may lack both a date code and a chip, especially older pieces. For example, items from before 1982 don’t have date codes, and heavily used pieces with alcantara linings may have faded or missing codes due to wear.
Where to find the date code?
The date code is commonly stamped on interior linings or tags inside of each Louis Vuitton item. Finding the code might be hard sometimes, since they are in different places for different items.
The most common places for the date code to be located are:
- On a leather tab that is stitched into the lining of the bag.
- On a leather tab stitched into a pocket.
- On the exterior leather strap, most likely close to a hinge.
- Engraved onto the fabric of the bag (often along a side seam)
- Wallets: On the inner edge of the notes compartment
- Agenda’s: Under the flap closest to the seam.
How to read the date code on your Louis Vuitton bag
Most Louis Vuitton date codes consist of two letters combined with four numbers. The letters show where the item was made, and the numbers show when the item was made. The combination of these letters and numbers have changed several times over the years.
Before 1982
There was no use of date codes before 1982.
There was no use of date codes before 1982.
1982 – mid 1980s
Louis Vuitton started using 3- or 4-digit codes to indicate the year and month in which the item was manufactured. The first two numbers show the year, and the last one or two numbers show the month.
Louis Vuitton started using 3- or 4-digit codes to indicate the year and month in which the item was manufactured. The first two numbers show the year, and the last one or two numbers show the month.
Mid – Late 1980s
In the mid-80s, Louis Vuitton started using letters in the date codes. These letters corresponded with the factory where the specific item was made. The first to numbers show year, the last one or two numbers show the month. Followed with two letters representing the country of manufacturing.
In the mid-80s, Louis Vuitton started using letters in the date codes. These letters corresponded with the factory where the specific item was made. The first to numbers show year, the last one or two numbers show the month. Followed with two letters representing the country of manufacturing.
Early 1990s – 2006
The date code system was changed again in the 90s. These codes still exist out of two letters and four numbers. However, the letters, representing the country, were moved to the front of the code. With the first and the third number indicating the month, and the second and fourth number indicating the year of manufacturing.
The date code system was changed again in the 90s. These codes still exist out of two letters and four numbers. However, the letters, representing the country, were moved to the front of the code. With the first and the third number indicating the month, and the second and fourth number indicating the year of manufacturing.
2007 – 2020 February
The format of the four-digit numbering system was changed again in 2007. Instead of the month in which an item is manufactured, the date code now represents the week. These codes start with two numbers representing the country, followed by four numbers. The first and third number indicate the week, and the second and fourth number indicate the year.
The format of the four-digit numbering system was changed again in 2007. Instead of the month in which an item is manufactured, the date code now represents the week. These codes start with two numbers representing the country, followed by four numbers. The first and third number indicate the week, and the second and fourth number indicate the year.
March 2021 – Present
As of March 2021, the Louis Vuitton bags and leather goods have a microchip in the lining of the bag. The date code is in the past. The chip in the bag is invisible. The main reason of the microchip is to tackle the replica market. The chip indicates in which country the bag was produced and when. In addition, the chip provides more information such as when the bag was sold, where the bag was sold and other general information about the bag.
As of March 2021, the Louis Vuitton bags and leather goods have a microchip in the lining of the bag. The date code is in the past. The chip in the bag is invisible. The main reason of the microchip is to tackle the replica market. The chip indicates in which country the bag was produced and when. In addition, the chip provides more information such as when the bag was sold, where the bag was sold and other general information about the bag.
In which country was your Louis Vuitton item made?
If your Louis Vuitton item was made in the mid-1980s or later, then the date code includes two letters. These letters correspond with a country in which your item was manufactured, and is named the “Country Code”.
You can use the chart below to check which letters correspond with which country:
*Please note that Louis Vuitton releases new country codes over time. It is possible that there are newer letter combinations released after this blog was posted.
Want to quickly check your date code without trying to decipher the code yourself? Check out this Louis Vuitton product code authenticator.
