Louis Vuitton Date Code Checker: The Ultimate Authentication Guide

Introduction

Louis Vuitton is one of the most counterfeited luxury brands. Fake LV products flood the market. How can you tell if your bag, wallet, or accessory is real?

The answer lies in the LV date code. This hidden stamp reveals where and when your item was made. Our LV Date Code Checker helps you verify authenticity in seconds.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What an LV date code is
• Where to find it on different products
• How to read and decode it
• Why some codes indicate fakes
• How to use our free online checker tool

Whether you’re buying secondhand or checking your own collection, this guide will help you spot fakes.

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What Is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?

Louis Vuitton uses date codes (not serial numbers) to track production. Each code tells you:
✅ Where the item was made (factory location)
✅ When it was made (year and week)

Key Facts About LV Date Codes:

• Not visible at first glance – Hidden inside pockets or seams
• Changed formats over time – Different systems used since the 1980s
• Not a guarantee of authenticity – Fakes often copy real codes

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Where to Find the Date Code

The location varies by product type. Here’s where to look:

👜 Bags & Purses

• Inside the interior pocket (stitched on a leather tag)
• Along the seam near the top opening
• Under the flap for smaller purses

👟 Shoes

• Inside the tongue
• On the inner sole lining

👕 Clothing

• On the care label
• Along the side seam

💳 Wallets & Small Leather Goods

• Inside a card slot
• On the backside of the interior lining

Tip: Use a flashlight to spot embossed or heat-stamped codes.

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How to Read LV Date Codes

Louis Vuitton has used three different code systems:

1. Pre-1980s (3-4 Numbers Only)

• Example: 823
• First 2 digits = Year (1982)
• Last digit = Month (March)

Note: Very old items may not have codes.

2. 1980s–2021 (2 Letters + 4 Numbers)

• Example: FL1021
• First 2 letters = Factory location (FL = USA/France)
• Next 2 digits = Production week (10th week)
• Last 2 digits = Year (2021)

3. 2021–Present (New Format)

• Example: AR1108
• Still 2 letters + 4 numbers
• Slightly different factory codes

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How to Use the LV Date Code Checker

Our free tool decodes your date code instantly. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Enter Your Code

• Type the 2 letters + 4 numbers (e.g., SD0192)
• The tool checks if the format is valid

Step 2: Get Your Results

The checker shows:
✔ Factory Location (e.g., France, USA, Italy)
✔ Production Date (Week and year)
✔ Authenticity Notes (Flags suspicious codes)

Step 3: Verify Against Your Item

• Does the factory match LV’s production locations?
• Is the date reasonable for the style?
• Does the code look poorly stamped?

Tip: Some fakes use real codes from old bags. Always check quality too.

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Common Fake LV Date Code Signs

Counterfeiters make mistakes. Watch for:

❌ Wrong Factory Codes

• Example: FC, FF, or OS after 2012 (discontinued)
• Fake codes like ZZ, XX, or invalid letters

❌ Impossible Dates

• Future dates (e.g., 2025 on a used bag)
• Dates before LV existed (pre-1854)

❌ Poor Stamping

• Uneven font, too deep, or blurry
• Printed instead of heat-stamped

❌ Mismatched Styles

• A 2020 code on a “vintage” bag
• A French code on a Neverfull made in the USA

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Why Some Real LV Items Have No Date Code

A missing code doesn’t always mean fake. Possible reasons:

✅ Very old (pre-1980s) – Not all vintage pieces had codes
✅ Special orders – Some custom-made items skip codes
✅ Worn off – Faded stamp on heavily used items

Note: If buying a modern LV with no code, be cautious.

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LV Factory Codes List (2024 Updated)

Here are common factory codes and locations:

Code	Country	Notes
FL	France / USA	Common for US-market bags
SD	France / USA	Popular for Neverfulls
AR	France	High-end leather goods
TH	France	Used for limited editions
LP	Spain	Common for Spanish-made LV
BO	Italy	Italian-made shoes & bags
CA	USA	California workshop
DI	Switzerland	Watch straps & accessories

Tip: If your code isn’t listed, check our updated LV Date Code Checker.

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How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton (Beyond the Date Code)

The date code is just one clue. Also check:

1. Stitching Quality

• Real LV: Even, tight stitches (6-8 per inch)
• Fake LV: Loose, sloppy, or uneven

2. Leather Trim

• Real LV: Smooth, natural vachetta that darkens over time
• Fake LV: Plastic-looking or painted edges

3. Monogram Pattern

• Real LV: Symmetrical, aligned perfectly
• Fake LV: Cut-off logos or misaligned prints

4. Hardware

• Real LV: Heavy, engraved, and high-quality
• Fake LV: Lightweight, tarnishes quickly

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Final Thoughts: Verify Before You Buy

The LV Date Code Checker helps spot fakes fast. But remember:
✔ Date codes alone don’t guarantee authenticity
✔ Always check quality, stitching, and materials
✔ Buy from trusted sellers or LV directly

Use our free tool before purchasing secondhand LV. Stay safe from scams!

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FAQ: LV Date Codes

Q: Is every LV item supposed to have a date code?
A: Most modern LV items (1980s–present) do. Vintage pieces may not.

Q: Can two LV bags have the same date code?
A: Yes. Codes are batch-based, not unique serial numbers.

Q: My code format doesn’t match. Is it fake?
A: Not always. LV changed formats over time. Check our guide.

Q: Where can I authenticate my LV for free?
A: Use our LV Date Code Checker plus expert forums like PurseForum.

Q: Do LV date codes rub off?
A: Rarely. Heat-stamped codes last years. If faded, check other details.

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By following this guide, you’ll avoid fake Louis Vuitton and shop smarter. Happy authenticating! 👜✨

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