How to Read a Chanel Serial Code

 

Wondering when your Chanel bag was made? The serial code on the sticker or authenticity card makes it easy to find out. Enter the code below and instantly see the production period.

Serial Code Checker

Enter the serial code exactly as it appears on the sticker or authenticity card (e.g. 5123456 or 14123456).

A serial code indicates a production period, but is not proof of authenticity. From around 2021–2022, Chanel uses metal plates with 8-character alphanumeric codes instead of stickers, which are not currently linked to a specific production year. Always cross-check with the bag's construction, hardware and authenticity card.

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What is a Chanel serial code?

A Chanel serial code (also called a date code) is a series of numbers — and more recently, a mix of letters and numbers — that Chanel has stamped or printed on its products since 1986. The code indicates the production period of a bag or small leather good. It’s unique to each item, but on its own it doesn’t confirm authenticity — it’s one piece of a larger authentication process for vintage and pre-loved Chanel.

Where do you find the serial code?

On bags made before 2021, the code is usually on a small white sticker tucked inside the lining — often in a corner pocket or along the base of the interior. It’s also printed on the matching authenticity card that came with the bag. On newer items, look for a small metal plate stamped into the interior instead.

How does the serial code work?

The format has changed several times over the decades:

  • Before 1986: no serial code present.
  • 1986–2005: 7-digit codes, where the first digit (0–9) indicates the production series.
  • 2005–2021: 8-digit codes, where the first two digits (10–31) indicate the production series.
  • From 2021/2022: Chanel switched to metal plates with an 8-character alphanumeric code, which is unique per item but not currently linked to a specific production year.

Does a valid serial code mean my bag is authentic?

No and this is a common misconception. A correct serial code is a good sign, but not a guarantee. Counterfeiters regularly replicate serial numbers accurately, including on the matching authenticity card. That’s why at Get Your Designer Bag we check more than just the serial code — stitching, hardware, leather texture, and other authentication markers are all reviewed before a bag appears in our vintage designer bag collection.

HOW TO READ THE CODE

Full List of Chanel Serial Code Series

The numbers in a Chanel serial code indicate the production series, which corresponds to a specific year or year range. Chanel switched from 7-digit to 8-digit codes in 2005, and moved away from serial stickers entirely around 2021–2022.

1986–2005 (7-digit codes)

  • 0xxxxxx — 1986–1988
  • 1xxxxxx — 1989–1991
  • 2xxxxxx — 1991–1994
  • 3xxxxxx — 1994–1996
  • 4xxxxxx — 1996–1997
  • 5xxxxxx — 1997–1999
  • 6xxxxxx — 2000–2002
  • 7xxxxxx — 2002–2003
  • 8xxxxxx — 2003–2004
  • 9xxxxxx — 2004–2005

2005–2021 (8-digit codes)

  • 10xxxxxx — 2005–2006
  • 11xxxxxx — 2006–2008
  • 12xxxxxx — 2008–2009
  • 13xxxxxx — 2009–2010
  • 14xxxxxx — 2010–2011
  • 15xxxxxx — 2011
  • 16xxxxxx — 2012
  • 17xxxxxx — 2012–2013
  • 18xxxxxx — 2013–2014
  • 19xxxxxx — 2014
  • 20xxxxxx — 2014–2015
  • 21xxxxxx — 2015–2016
  • 22xxxxxx — 2016–2017
  • 23xxxxxx — 2017
  • 24xxxxxx — 2017–2018
  • 25xxxxxx — 2018

Shop vintage Chanel at Get Your Designer Bag

Every week, we release a fresh selection of authenticated, pre-owned Chanel bags — from timeless Classic Flaps to rare vintage finds. Curious about the story behind your next favorite bag? Browse this week’s drop below.

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