What is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?

March 18, 2026

Buying a preloved Louis Vuitton is an investment, but that first "authentication" check can feel like solving a Da Vinci code. If you’ve ever squinted at a tiny leather tab inside a Speedy or Neverfull, you’ve met the Louis Vuitton Date Code.

But what do these numbers actually mean? And why do some brand-new bags not have one at all? Here is your ultimate guide to the evolution of Louis Vuitton date codes.

What is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?

Contrary to popular belief, a date code is not a serial number. While a serial number is unique to a single bag, a date code simply identifies when and where the bag was manufactured. This means it is common for two identical bags produced in the same factory during the same week to share the exact same code.

The Evolution of the Date Code: A Timeline

Louis Vuitton has updated its coding system several times to stay ahead of counterfeiters. Understanding these eras is key to verifying your vintage or preloved find.

1. Pre-1980s: The "Blank" Era

Before the early 1980s, Louis Vuitton did not use date codes. If you find a truly vintage piece (like an original 1970s bucket bag) without a code, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake—it just means it’s a classic.

2. Early 1980s: Numbers Only

When codes first appeared, they consisted of 3 or 4 numbers representing the year and month.

Format: YYM or YYMM
Example: 825 = May 1982.

3. Mid to Late 1980s: Letters Enter the Mix

LV began adding two letters to represent the factory location (e.g., France, USA, Spain).

Format: YYM or YYMM + Factory Letters (or vice versa)
Example: 884FC = April 1988, Made in USA.

4. 1990 – 2006: The "Month" System

This is the era most common in the preloved market. The letters moved to the front, and the numbers were "hidden" in an alternating pattern.

Format: 2 Letters + 4 Numbers
The Rule: The 1st and 3rd digits = Month / The 2nd and 4th digits = Year.
Example: AR1004 = France, October (10) 2004 (04).

5. 2007 – March 2021: The "Weekly" System

To track production more precisely, LV switched from months to weeks.

Format: 2 Letters + 4 Numbers
The Rule: The 1st and 3rd digits = Week of the year / The 2nd and 4th digits = Year.
Example: SD2112 = USA, 21st week of 2012.

6. March 2021 – Present: The Microchip Revolution

In a major shift, Louis Vuitton discontinued physical date codes for all new bags produced after March 1, 2021. Instead, they now use RFID Microchips embedded inside the lining. These chips can only be read by official LV scanners in-boutique, making modern bags harder to counterfeit but also changing the game for resellers.

Common Factory Codes to Know

The two letters at the start (or end) of your code tell you the country of origin. This should always match the "Made in..." heat stamp on the bag.

Country	Common Codes
France	AA, AR, BA, DU, FL, MB, RA, RI, SP, TH, VI
USA	FC, FH, FL, LA, OS, SD, TX
Spain	CA, GI, LB, LO, LW, UB
Italy	BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, PL, RC, RE, TD

Pro-Tip: Missing a Code?

Don't panic! A missing date code doesn't always equal a fake. On older bags with Alcantara (suede-like) linings, the gold-leaf stamping can rub off over time. Similarly, if a bag has been professionally relined by Louis Vuitton, it may receive a new code or none at all.