LV Code Meanings: How to Read LV Code Like a Pro
If you have a Louis Vuitton bag, you’ve probably noticed a series of letters and numbers.
Unlike Chanel with their authentication cards, Louis Vuitton uses these coded stamps to indicate when and where the item was manufactured.
It’s like the label: Made in France or Made in the US, but it gives more details. So, let’s learn how to read LV code meanings!
Louis Vuitton date code breakdown example
Louis Vuitton Odeon PM in Monogram Canvas
Let’s break down this LV date code: CA4058.
Louis Vuitton country code location
In CA4058, you can see two letters. These and any letters in any LV date code will indicate where it was produced.
|
France |
AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, DR, DT, CO, CT, CX, ET, FL, LA, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SA, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TJ, TH, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX DK (Specifically for Relined Items) A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (special order) |
|
Italy |
BC, BO, CE, FN, FO, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, SA, TD |
|
Spain |
BC, CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB |
|
USA |
FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL, TX |
|
Switzerland |
DI, FA |
|
Germany |
LP, OL |
*BOLDED when it’s the same code used in many countries.
These letters on your Louis Vuitton date code should match the stamp “Made in (country)” on your Louis Vuitton tag.
So, for CA4058, it was made in Spain, and it does match its “Made in” stamp!
LV number meaning
There are many ways to read the number sequence in an LV date code, depending on when the item was produced.
Let’s move to the next section to see how these numbers can be read.
LV code breakdown chart
Here is a very quick overview of the LV code on their items.
|
Era |
Format |
How to Read |
Example |
Meaning |
|
Before 1980s |
None |
No date codes used |
— |
Not necessarily fake |
|
Early 1980s |
YYMM |
Y = year M = month |
834 |
April 1983 |
|
Late 1980s |
YYMMCC |
Y = year M = month C = country code |
873VI |
March 1987, France |
|
1990–2006 |
CCMYMY |
1st & 3rd = month 2nd & 4th = year |
AR0969 |
June 1999, France |
|
2007–2021 |
CCWYWY |
1st & 3rd = week 2nd & 4th = year |
SR3106 |
Week 30 of 2016, France |
|
2021–Present |
Microchip (RFID) |
Digital authentication only |
— |
Embedded chip |
Tip! If the LV code starts with a number, then it was made before the 1980s!
Dates on Louis Vuitton bags timeline
Starting around the early 1980s, Louis Vuitton introduced their date stamps. However, on occasion, Louis Vuitton altered how its date codes were displayed.
Let’s break it so you can learn how to read LV code.
Before 1980s: No date code
Before the 1980s, Louis Vuitton didn’t add any date code to their products. That doesn’t mean it’s fake. At the time, the brand didn’t need date codes.
Early 1980s Louis Vuitton format (YYMM)
Louis Vuitton started using dated stamps to combat counterfeit items. Here, three to four numbers were used for the year and month it was produced.
For example, 834 would be April 1983.
Late 1980s Louis Vuitton format (YYMMCC)
In the late 1980s, Louis Vuitton added 2 letters after the numbers to their date codes to show where the items were made.
For example, 873VI means that the item was made in France in March 1987.
Similar valid formats include YYMCC, CCYYMM, and CCYYM.
1990-2006: Standard Louis Vuitton format (CCMYMY)
From 1990 to 2005, the LV date code became standardized to have two letters and four numbers.
With this LV date code format after the country, the months are the first and third numbers with the production year being the second and fourth number.
For AR0969, it was made in France in June 1999.
2007-2021: Weekly date codes (CCWYWY)
Starting 2007, the LV code format switched to a week and year format for its manufacturing date. It would be two letters with four numbers.
The first and third numbers would be for the week, while the second and fourth would be for the year.
For example, "SR3106" means the item was made in the France in the 30th week of 2016.
2021: Microchips
Then, on March 1st, 2021, the LV date code was changed to using microchips. There is an invisible microchip (RFID) for authenticity, repair tracking, and enhanced security.
Where is the date code located on a Louis Vuitton?
All LV date codes are usually inside the bag. Typically, it is embossed or printed into the fabric, depending on the factory and model, on a leather tab sewn into the bag.
- Interior tags: Usually, a leather tag that is sewn into an interior seam.
- Direct embossing: Some items have an embossed LV date code onto the lining or leather in a hidden part of the bag. Usually near the top edge or interior pocket.
- Interior Pockets: These LV date codes will be near pocket seams.
Additionally, many LV bags have specific locations where their date codes will be:
- Speedy date code: Typically, on a leather tab that’s sewn in the seam of a pocket.
- Neverfull date code: Often on a leather tab inside the interior zip pocket.
- Alma date code: Usually on a leather tab inside the pocket or along the seam.
- Keepall date code: Often stamped on a leather tab attached to the handle or inside the bag.
Irregular LV date code
There are a couple of LV items where they don’t have an LV date code.
The first is from The French Luggage Company: They briefly held a license to manufacture LV items in the United States, but these pieces are slightly different from their LV counterpart. Noticeably, the lack of LV date codes. They did have a paper tag, but those tended to be detached.
Second, Louis Vuitton items from Saks Fifth Avenue have a differing LV date code. They will have an additional plate with “Saks Fifth Avenue” or “Neiman Marcus” imprinted.
Frequently asked questions
When did Louis Vuitton start using date codes?
Louis Vuitton started using date code in the early 1980s.
What does Louis Vuitton codes mean?
Louis Vuitton code indicates where and when the bag was made.
In closing
While Louis Vuitton only started their LV date codes in the early 1980s, it became a staple to help them track and date their items.
Understanding LV date code is not required for anyone. It’s just a fun fact to know.
Despite constantly changing their date code format, if you take your time, you can decipher when and where each Louis Vuitton is made.