2025 Update | Missing Louis Vuitton Serial Number? Complete Guide to Identifying the IC Chip
Dec 19,2025 | NISHIKINO VINTAGE
Hello everyone.
"My Louis Vuitton bag doesn't have a serial number... is it a fake?"
For those who feel this anxiety,
This timeThe latest information on serial numbers and IC chipsof,
We will introduce it in an easy-to-understand and thorough manner.
■ What is a serial number and where is it?
Once upon a time, Louis Vuitton
The "production number (serial number)" that indicates the year and country of manufacture of the product,
It was engraved on the inner pocket and seams of the main body.
There are various formats, such as tag type and engraved type.
■ How to read serial numbers (changes over time)
| Era | example | How to read |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1980s | 833 | March 1983 (no factory code) |
| Late 1980s | AR894 | AR = Made in France, April 1989 |
| 1990-2006 | BA1919 | BA = Made in the USA, November 1999 (1st and 3rd digits = month, 2nd and 4th digits = year) |
| 2007-2021 | VI0098 | VI = Made in France, 9th week of 2008 (1st and 3rd digits = week, 2nd and 4th digits = year) |
| Since 2021 | No engraving | Transition to IC chip management |
■ What is an IC chip? How to tell if it's genuine or fake
From spring 2021, some Louis Vuitton productsSerial engraving has been discontinuedAnd,
insteadIC chip (NFC tag)is now built-in.
Cannot be confirmed visually
Embedded near the tag or inside the seam
Cannot be read on regular smartphones (specialized machines are used in stores, etc.)
At this timeLeather products such as bags and walletsis the main focus,
Accessories and clothing are unconfirmed.
■ It is a mistake to think that "no engraving = fake"!
Even if you can't find the serial number on your recent product,That's according to spec。
No markings = fakeThis misconception no longer applies in the future.
In fact, the lack of an engraving may be the reason why the item is the latest genuine product.
■ List of manufacturing factory codes (for reference during the engraving period)
*Products with IC chips may not have an engraving.
| Manufacturing country | Factory Code Example |
|---|---|
| France | AR, FL, SP, VI, MB, CT |
| America | SD, TX, OS |
| Spain | CA, LO, LB |
| Italy | BO, FO, MA |
■ Summary | Louis Vuitton is evolving
IC chips will become standard from 2021 onwards
Even if the product does not have a serial number
, likely genuine
Expert knowledge is important for authenticity determination
In our store, including IC chip equipped models,
All authentic products are certifiedWe handle the following products.
Please feel free to purchase.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Tags: Louis Vuitton IC chip, how to identify serial number, how to identify counterfeit, bag manufacturing number, Vuitton authentication