Louis Vuitton
Authentication Guide
Professional Authentication Recommended
Louis Vuitton is one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. "Super fakes" can be nearly indistinguishable from authentic items. This guide can help spot obvious fakes, but professional authentication is the only way to be 100% certain.
Critical Authentication Facts
Date code country must match "Made in" stamp
If the date code letters indicate Italy (e.g., "BC") but the bag is stamped "Made in France", this is a major red flag.
Source: Multiple authentication services
Louis Vuitton does NOT include authenticity cards
Unlike Chanel, LV has never included authenticity cards with handbags. If a seller provides an "authenticity card", this is suspicious.
Source: Love That Bag, FASHIONPHILE
A valid date code does NOT guarantee authenticity
Counterfeiters commonly replicate valid date codes. 48% of fake LV bags authenticated by one service had legitimate-format date codes.
Source: LV Bagaholic authentication data
Post-March 2021 bags have chips, not stamped codes
If someone shows you a "2023" date code stamped in the leather, it's fake. New bags only have scannable RFID chips.
Source: Louis Vuitton official policy
Date Code Guide
Louis Vuitton used date codes from 1982 until March 2021. The format changed several times over the years.
Two letters (factory) + four digits. 1st & 3rd digits = WEEK (not month), 2nd & 4th digits = year.
Example:
AR1108 = Week 10 of 2018, made in France
How to read: AR 1 1 0 8 → Week: 10, Year: 18 (2018)
Factory Location Codes
The two-letter prefix in date codes indicates the factory location. The country must match the "Made in" stamp on the bag.
France
Italy
Spain
USA
Germany
Switzerland
Important Note
RFID Chips (March 2021+)
Since March 2021, Louis Vuitton has replaced stamped date codes with embedded RFID/NFC microchips.
How to scan the chip:
- 1. Download an NFC reader app (e.g., "NFC Tools" or "NFC TagInfo")
- 2. Enable NFC on your phone (most modern smartphones have this)
- 3. Hold your phone against the chip location (varies by model)
- 4. The app will display chip information if present
Chip Locations Vary
Stitching Details
Source: Collector's Cage, FASHIONPHILE
Thread material
✓ AUTHENTIC
White linen thread, dyed yellow, coated with beeswax for durability
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Often synthetic thread that looks bright yellow or orange
💡 Authentic stitching has a subtle mustard-yellow color, not bright yellow
Stitch consistency
✓ AUTHENTIC
Even, consistent spacing throughout. Same angle on all stitches.
✗ COUNTERFEIT
Uneven spacing, inconsistent angles, loose threads
💡 Count stitches on both sides of symmetrical elements - should match exactly
Heat Stamp & Logo
Source: Collector's Cage, FASHIONPHILE
Font characteristics
The "LOUIS VUITTON" stamp should have: thin, sharp lettering; "L" with a short horizontal base; round "O"s; the two "T"s should touch or be very close together
® symbol placement
The registered trademark symbol should be positioned between the "N" of VUITTON and "PARIS" on most bags
Font Varies by Era
Get Professional Authentication
For high-value purchases, professional authentication is essential. These services examine multiple factors that cannot be verified from photos alone.
Sources & References
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. The Fraud Codex is not affiliated with Louis Vuitton or LVMH. All information is compiled from publicly available sources and authentication experts. This guide should not replace professional authentication services. Louis Vuitton is a registered trademark of Louis Vuitton Malletier.