How to Verify an Authentic Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is a popular luxury brand worldwide, and as a result, many counterfeit products are circulating. In this guide, we'll discuss whether it's possible to tell if a Louis Vuitton product is fake by checking its serial number. We will also introduce 12 other key points to help identify a fake, so check them out as well.

What Is Louis Vuitton's Serial Number? Where Is It Engraved?

First, let's examine serial numbers and see if Louis Vuitton uses them. The engraving is key to identifying a fake.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: Date Code vs Serial Number

A serial number is a unique identifier for individual items, while a date code provides manufacturing details without being used for authentication. Date codes are, therefore, simply a reference for when and where a product was made, and while useful, they shouldn't be relied on alone for verifying authenticity.

Louis Vuitton does not use serial numbers—instead, the brand employs date codes to identify when and where an item was made. The date code typically consists of letters (indicating the factory) and numbers (indicating the week and year of manufacture).

Since 2021, Louis Vuitton has transitioned to using embedded RFID tags in place of date codes. These tags store similar manufacturing information and can be read with specialized equipment. The shift enhances anti-counterfeiting efforts by making replication significantly more difficult.

What If My Louis Vuitton Has No Date Code?

If your Louis Vuitton item lacks a date code, it may be a newer product (post-2021), as RFID tags are now used instead. However, if the item is older (pre-2021) and lacks a date code, it could raise concerns about authenticity.

Where Is Louis Vuitton's Date Code Engraved?

Now, let’s look at where the date code is typically engraved. It is usually placed in a hard-to-find spot. For example, on bags, it is often found inside storage pockets, on the inside of zippers, on the leather tags inside the bag, or near the stitching at the top inside of the bag.

Similarly, for wallets or key cases, the date code is not placed in easily visible spots but is usually engraved inside the inner pocket of the wallet.

It’s worth noting that date codes are generally not engraved or printed for the consumer’s reference but rather for store use in the event of repairs or inquiries. For that reason, they are often placed in discreet, hard-to-find locations.

Do Louis Vuitton Bags Have Model Numbers?

Like many other products on the market, Louis Vuitton items, including bags, have model numbers that distinguish different styles and collections. It is a common misconception that Louis Vuitton bags do not have model numbers, likely because model numbers are not printed or stamped directly on the products.

Unlike date codes, which were previously stamped inside Louis Vuitton products, model numbers are not marked anywhere on the item itself. You can search for the product name on Louis Vuitton’s official website to find a model number. If the item does not appear in the search results, you can try a web search, as model numbers are often listed on third-party sites.

Can You Identify a Real Louis Vuitton Bag Using the Date Code?

We’ve covered Louis Vuitton’s date codes in detail, but can they be used to determine whether a product is fake? The answer is yes—they can help identify counterfeits.

Since Louis Vuitton date codes follow a specific pattern—using letters and numbers to indicate the manufacturing location and date—you can sometimes use them to detect counterfeits. Fake bags often have incorrect or inconsistent codes, such as non-existent manufacturing dates, jumbled letter and number sequences, or unreadable characters. Additionally, counterfeit date codes may have irregular font sizes or smudged markings. Checking a date code's sequence and print quality can help determine authenticity.

How to Spot an Authentic Louis Vuitton Without Using the Date Code: 12 Key Points

In addition to the date code, there are 12 key factors to check when verifying the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton bag. These include details such as the monogram pattern and brand logo. It's best to inspect the bag visually and by touch to detect any inconsistencies in craftsmanship.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 1. Monogram

One of the easiest ways to identify a counterfeit Louis Vuitton product is by examining its monogram design. Authentic Louis Vuitton pieces have precisely aligned prints with symmetrical positioning centered on the item. In contrast, fakes often have misaligned monograms, colors that are either too dark or too light, uneven shading, or logos of inconsistent sizes.

Among these, the most obvious sign of a fake is print misalignment. Genuine Louis Vuitton monograms are carefully positioned and symmetrically printed, whereas counterfeits may have off-center logos, overlapping seams, or extending beyond the intended frame. Another standard indicator of a fake is uneven color distribution within the monogram print, which is rarely found in authentic products.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 2. Brand Logo

The Louis Vuitton logo is one of the most crucial elements to inspect when checking for authenticity. Four key aspects to examine are the font style, font balance, clarity of the embossing, and whether the logo overlaps the stitching.

One of the most noticeable signs of a counterfeit is the shape of the letter "O" in "Louis Vuitton." On authentic pieces, the "O" is nearly a perfect circle, whereas on fakes, it often appears elongated. Additionally, fake logos may be uneven, with letters that are misaligned, shaky, or positioned at inconsistent angles.

Embossing is another telltale sign. The lettering may appear crushed or distorted on counterfeit items due to overlapping with adjacent characters. Sometimes, the hollow spaces within the letters may also be filled in, affecting their overall definition.
Another key detail is whether the engraving extends onto the stitching. On authentic pieces, the engraving is precisely positioned within its designated area. However, it may be misaligned on counterfeits, overlapping with the stitching or even extending beyond the intended space, partially obscuring the logo.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 3. Rivets

The rivets used in Louis Vuitton products have a distinct, three-dimensional appearance. These rivets are slightly raised and well-defined on authentic items, whereas counterfeits tend to have flat, shallow, or poorly molded rivets.

The Louis Vuitton branding engraved on the rivets should also be balanced and evenly spaced. Authentic engravings are sharp and uniformly deep, while counterfeits often have uneven depths, blurred lines, or letters that overlap. Another red flag is excessive shine—if the rivets appear overly reflective or unnaturally polished, the item may be a fake.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 4. Zipper Hardware

To determine authenticity, check the zipper hardware for three main details: the evenness of the plating, the depth and precision of the brand engraving, and the font thickness of the Louis Vuitton logo.

A genuine Louis Vuitton zipper is coated with high-quality plating, resulting in a smooth and evenly applied finish. Counterfeit versions often exhibit visible irregularities, such as uneven coating or patches of discoloration.

Additionally, if the area surrounding the Louis Vuitton font engraving appears unnaturally indented instead of flat, or if the thickness of the brand logo is uniform rather than having the usual distinct variations, these are signs of a counterfeit.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 5. Snap Buttons

Snap buttons are another area where counterfeit Louis Vuitton items often fail. When viewed from the side, an authentic snap button has a distinctive mushroom-shaped, triangular tip. Fake versions, on the other hand, are generally more rounded and lack the sharp definition of the original design.

Additionally, the recessed section of the snap button, which secures the closure, follows a consistent pattern in authentic pieces. Two vertical bars run on genuine buttons from "O to O" and "I to U." In contrast, counterfeits frequently deviate from this standard, placing the bars in incorrect positions. The item is likely a fake if these details do not align with the expected pattern.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 6. Hooks

Hooks are one of the easiest details to inspect when determining the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton product. Three key factors to check are whether the hook's closing mechanism aligns properly, whether the metal plating is evenly applied, and whether the engraving has depth and clarity.

Like the zipper, an authentic Louis Vuitton hook has evenly applied plating without visible imperfections. Moreover, when examining whether the hook’s contact surfaces align properly, an authentic piece will fit together seamlessly without any gaps or misalignment. However, with counterfeits, the surfaces may not align correctly, or even if they appear to fit, closer inspection may reveal slight misalignment. Additionally, many counterfeit hooks lack the subtle ridges and contours found in genuine ones, which can be easily overlooked, so careful attention is needed.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 7. Stitching Quality

The quality of the stitching is one of the clearest indicators of authenticity. In authentic products, each stitch is uniform, with the stitches typically angled upwards towards the right. Additionally, the stitching pattern varies depending on the location, another distinguishing characteristic of genuine items.

Counterfeits, however, often have inconsistent stitching. Common flaws include thin or weak threads, uneven spacing, and stitching that runs parallel instead of diagonally. In more poorly made fakes, stitches may even appear tangled or stray outside the intended lines. These imperfections are rarely seen in authentic Louis Vuitton products.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 8. Adhesive Residue

Louis Vuitton uses expert craftsmanship to ensure that adhesive is never visible on its products. If an item shows signs of glue residue along the seams or on the material, it strongly indicates that it is a counterfeit.

Authentic Louis Vuitton products have cleanly finished edges with no excess adhesive. In contrast, fakes often have glue spilling over from the seams or accidentally applied to areas where it should not be. While minor adhesive issues can sometimes appear in older, worn-out genuine items, a new product with visible glue marks is likely a fake.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 9. Vachetta Leather (Natural Cowhide Leather)

Vachetta leather, commonly used for handles, is another factor to consider when spotting a fake Louis Vuitton. Genuine Vachetta leather does not wrinkle, even after years of use. It naturally darkens over time, developing a rich patina, but it does not crease or crack easily.

In contrast, counterfeit versions tend to wrinkle or change color after minimal use. Some fakes even show signs of wear straight out of the box, with premature wrinkling or flaking of the leather. If the Vachetta leather appears overly fragile or has noticeable creases upon purchase, the item is likely counterfeit.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 10. Screws

Some Louis Vuitton products use screws in their construction, and this small detail can be a giveaway when identifying a fake. Authentic Louis Vuitton exclusively uses slotted (minus) screws. If a product has cruciform (plus) screws, it is a guaranteed counterfeit.

Additionally, authentic screws are secured at a consistent depth, maintaining a uniform appearance. Counterfeits often have screws tightened at varying depths, leading to uneven heights. Another warning sign is visible dents or indentations around the screw area, which are not present in genuine Louis Vuitton products.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 11. Interior Material

The interior of a Louis Vuitton product is just as carefully crafted as the exterior. Authentic pieces feature durable, high-quality lining with a slightly firm texture and thickness. Conversely, counterfeits often use soft, flimsy, or overly smooth materials that lack structure.

In many fake products, the interior lining is not attached correctly and may peel away from the edges. Some are so poorly made that the material can be turned inside out. Genuine Louis Vuitton products, however, have a sturdy lining that remains securely in place, maintaining the bag’s shape.

How to Spot a Real Louis Vuitton: 12. Dust Bags and Boxes (Accessories)

Louis Vuitton products come with high-quality dust bags and boxes, which also help identify a counterfeit. One of the most telling signs is the font used on the packaging. Like the brand logo, the letter "O" should be nearly circular in authentic packaging. In fakes, the "O" is often taller and more oval-shaped.

Another detail to examine is the printing quality. Authentic Louis Vuitton dust bags and boxes have crisp, clear lettering with no smudging or fading. Counterfeits, however, may have blurry, uneven prints with visible ink bleeding. Fake boxes are often poorly constructed, with visible dents, glue residue, or gaps. Sometimes, the box's corners may not be adequately secured, which is a red flag to watch for.

Recommended Purchase Methods for Those Who Don't Know How to Identify Authentic Louis Vuitton Products

Finally, for those who are uncertain about purchasing a Louis Vuitton product or how to spot a counterfeit, here are some recommended ways to make a safe purchase.

Two primary options are buying directly from a Louis Vuitton boutique or a trusted second-hand store. Let’s explore the features and advantages of each choice.

Buying from a Louis Vuitton Store

The most common route for purchasing authentic Louis Vuitton products is to buy directly from a Louis Vuitton store. Of course, only authentic products are sold, and you can receive product explanations or recommendations for other items. Shopping with professional sales associates ensures you find the perfect authentic product that meets your needs.

Buying from a Trusted Second-hand Store 

Another recommended purchase method, aside from buying from a Louis Vuitton store, is purchasing from a trusted second-hand specialty store. While some may be concerned about counterfeit items being mixed in, second-hand stores usually have strict authentication processes for each item, ensuring that authentic items are sold, as long as you choose a reliable shop.

Moreover, unlike official stores, second-hand retailers often offer products at prices lower than the original retail value. They may also stock discontinued items, making it a great option for those who missed out on popular pieces or needed more time to decide before an item sold out.

Among the many second-hand stores, Gallery Rare comes highly recommended. Gallery Rare works to prevent counterfeit products from circulating as an Association Against Counterfeit Product Distribution (AACD) member. Their items are thoroughly checked by AACD-certified appraisers and buyers with over 10 years of experience, so you can trust that no counterfeit goods are sold. Gallery Rare is worth considering if you're looking for a dependable option.

Conclusion: How to Spot an Authentic Louis Vuitton

• It is possible to identify a fake product by checking its date code.
  
• In addition to the date code, there are 12 other points to look for.
  
• Gallery Rare is a member of the Association Against Counterfeit Product Distribution (AACD), ensuring reliability.
  

This article explains how to identify a fake Louis Vuitton product using its date code. While the date code can help spot a counterfeit, it is recommended that you check the font, print, engravings, and other identifying features. If you’re unsure about a product’s authenticity, checking your own Louis Vuitton items may be helpful.

*Please note that the prices listed in our blog are for reference only and are converted from Japanese Yen (JPY) to US Dollars (USD) using the exchange rate of April 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.