How to Authenticate a Louis Vuitton Bag (Date Codes & Tips)

How to Authenticate a Louis Vuitton Bag (Date Codes & Tips)

Louis Vuitton is the most copied luxury brand out there, which makes it tough (and a little scary) to shop secondhand. I get it, no one wants to spend their money on a fake.

At Curated Finds Co. every single piece is already authenticated by trusted third-party services. But I still want you to feel confident knowing the basics, so here are some quick tips you can use when checking authenticity yourself.

1. Look at the Heat Stamp

Every LV bag has a heat stamp pressed into the leather or lining. It should look clean and sharp, not sloppy.
✔ Letters should be even and crisp
✔ The spelling of “Louis Vuitton” should be perfect
✔ You should see a clear “Made in France / Spain / Italy / USA” stamp

🚩 Red flag: crooked fonts, missing accents, or blurry embossing.

2. Find the Date Code

This is the part that trips people up. LV used date codes until 2021 (after that, bags have microchips).

  • 1990 to 2006:

    • Format: 2 letters + 4 numbers

    • First and third digit = month, second and fourth = year

    • Example: MI0948 → France, April 1998

  • 2007 to 2020:

    • Same format, but now it’s week + year

    • Example: SD2196 → France, 29th week of 2016

  • 2021 and after:

    • No more codes. Bags now have hidden microchips scanned in-store.

💡 Quick tip: The factory letters must match the “Made in” stamp. For example, SD = France, so the bag should say “Made in France.”

3. Check the Materials

Real LV feels like quality.

  • Monogram canvas is thick and sturdy, never floppy.

  • Vachetta leather starts out light beige and darkens to a honey patina with age.

  • Damier prints line up perfectly and logos don’t get chopped off.

4. Hardware & Stitching

  • Zippers should glide smoothly and usually have “LV” engraved.

  • Hardware feels solid and heavy, not cheap.

  • Stitching is neat and even with no loose threads.

5. Packaging & Extras

Louis Vuitton does not hand out authenticity cards. If you see one, it’s a red flag.

What’s normal:

  • Dust bag: beige or cream with the LV logo

  • Box: sturdy, high quality

  • Receipt: sometimes included, sometimes not

6. When in Doubt, Authenticate

Even with all these checks, fakes can be really good. That’s why pro authentication is key.

Some trusted services are:

  • Entrupy (AI scan)

  • ProAuthenticators (human experts)

  • LegitGrails (photo-based)

  • Authentic Detective (expert review)

✅ At Curated Finds Co. every Louis Vuitton is authenticated before I list it and comes certified authentic so you can shop worry-free.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Curated Finds Co. is an independent reseller. I’m not affiliated with or endorsed by Louis Vuitton or the authentication services mentioned. This guide is just for educational purposes. Always use professional authentication if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts

Once you know the basics, the heat stamp, date code, materials, stitching, and hardware. It gets easier to shop smart.

✨ Want to add a verified LV to your collection?
👉 Shop our Louis Vuitton collection here

 

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