Are you unsure how to read a Louis Vuitton serial number? Or perhaps you are curious about where and when it was made? The serial number can give you the answers — but only if you know how to read it. In this blog post you will learn exactly that!
How to Read Serial Numbers on Louis Vuitton Products
Louis Vuitton began using serial numbers on their products in the early 1980s as a measure to combat counterfeiting. The serial numbers function as a kind of ID system and typically consist of a combination of two letters and several numbers. The purpose is to identify both where and when an item was produced.
Read on to learn how to interpret a Louis Vuitton serial number, so you can find out more about the history of your very own Louis Vuitton bag.
Where Is the Serial Number on Louis Vuitton Bags?
First of all, let us look at where Louis Vuitton serial numbers are located. The serial number on Louis Vuitton products is usually found on a leather tab on the inside of the bag or product, often near the zipper or at the bottom.
How to Find Out Where the Item Was Made
Look at the two letters in the serial number. This is the factory code, which indicates which country the product was produced in. For example:
A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS (Special order), AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, DT, CO, CT, CX, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TJ, TH, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX - France
LP, OL - Germany
FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, FL, TX - USA
BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, NZ, OB, PL, RC, RE, SA, TD - Italy
BC, CA, LO, LB, LM, LW, GI, UB - Spain
DI, FA - Switzerland
Please note! The list of factory codes above is not complete, and other combinations may also exist.
How to Find Out When the Item Was Made
The numbers in the serial number indicate the production date. The format has changed several times over the years:
Before the 1980s
No serial numbers were used.
Early 1980s
Numbers only, 3 or 4 digits. The first digits indicate the year, the last digits show the month.
Example: 824 → April 1982.
Later in the 1980s
Combination of 2 letters and 3-4 numbers. The numbers work as before: first the year, then the month.
Example: FC884 → produced in the USA, April 1988.
1990–2006
2 letters + 4 numbers. The 1st and 3rd numbers indicate the month the item was made. The 2nd and 4th numbers indicate the year the item was made.
Example: TH1920 → France, December 1999.
2007–present
The code remains the same, but the numbers now mean something slightly different. The 1st and 3rd numbers indicate which week the item was made. The 2nd and 4th numbers indicate which year the item was made.
Example: SD2057 → USA, week 25 of 2007.
Please note! Be aware that Louis Vuitton releases new country codes over time. There may be newer letter combinations released after this blog post was published.
Curious About Your Own Louis Vuitton?
Check the serial number on your own bag and use this guide to find out both the country of origin and production date. This can give you both greater insight and peace of mind. Read more about our best tips for safe shopping of luxury products.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Louis Vuitton Serial Numbers
How do I know if my serial number is genuine?
A genuine serial number follows a specific pattern and matches the material, country of production and bag type. If the serial number does not match the bag, it could be a copy.
What does it mean if the bag has no serial number?
If the bag is from before the 1980s or is a newer model with a QR chip (from around 2021 onwards), it is normal for there to be no serial number. However, for bags produced between these periods, you should be able to find one.
Can the serial number be in different places on different models?
Yes. The serial number can be in an inner pocket, along a seam, under a flap or behind a leather tab it varies by model and year.
Can the serial number be worn away?
Yes. On pre-owned or older bags, the serial number can be difficult to read or almost invisible due to wear.
Does Louis Vuitton still use serial numbers?
No, Louis Vuitton has begun phasing out serial numbers and now uses internal QR codes in many new models (from around 2021 onwards).