Understanding Area codes

The United States of America is divided into regions, known as area codes that correspond with telephone dialing areas. Based on population, some states have only one area code, whereas others may have multiple area codes. The need for more telephone numbers increased and led to the need for additional area codes. By adding new area codes, millions of new numbers became available. The increase of numbers provides usage for wireline, wireless, and other technological advanced services.

Area Code Overlay

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. New area codes are added to the existing area to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers.  An overlay means that more than one area code will now serve the same geographic area. You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number. If there has been an overlay in your area, all calls must be dialed using the area code + telephone number, including calls within the same area code. If you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Here is what is happening in the Verizon region. Detailed information for each is below.  

Area Code Lookup

With Verizon's area code lookup you can:

 

  • Find the major locations in a certain area code by entering the area code
  • Find the area codes that are used in a certain state by entering the state name

Please select from the options below. Calling and local time information by area code or state:

Please enter an area code or select a state

Dialing Instructions

Making local calls

In some areas, a local call can still be completed by dialing the seven-digit telephone number. To make a direct dial local call, depending on your calling area you may have to dial:

  • Seven-digit telephone number
  • Area code + seven-digit telephone number
  • 1 + area code + seven-digit telephone number

To learn more about local calling in your specific area, please refer to the Customer Info Guide in your Verizon DexMedia white pages directory.

Making long-distance calls

To make a direct dial long distance call within the United States, dial:

1 + area code + seven-digit telephone number

To learn more about what is considered local and long distance calling in your specific area, please refer to the Customer Info Guide in your Verizon DexMedia white pages directory.

Making toll free calls

To make a direct dial toll free call, you must dial:

1 + 800 (888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833) + seven-digit telephone number

Calling Canada and the Caribbean

To place a direct dial call to Canada or the Caribbean, dial:

1 + area code + seven-digit telephone number

Making international calls

To call direct to other foreign countries, dial:

011 + the country code + the city code + the local number

Preparing for area code change

If your area code is changing:


  • Reprogram your automatic dialing equipment (including fax machines, modems, Internet dial up number and speed dialers) with the new area code for outgoing calls
  • Update business cards, checks, contracts and legal documents to the new area code
  • Update your Call Forwarding
  • Update your Voicemail or messaging systems
  • Notify family, friends, and business associates of the change in your area code

If your area code is not changing, but you call friends or businesses where the change is taking place:

  • Dial the correct area code when calling numbers where the area code has changed
  • Reprogram any automatic dialing equipment you have that places calls to friends and businesses where the area code has changed

Home security systems preparation for new area codes

If a new area code is coming to the service area of your home security system company, call to see if your system needs to be modified.

Get the answers to these questions:

  • Does my security system dial a preprogrammed telephone number to the security company, in case of an emergency?
  • If so, does that preprogrammed number include an area code?
  • What must be done to preprogram that number with the new area code?
  • Has your programmable equipment been checked to accommodate the area code dialing changes?
What are area codes?

Area codes were developed in 1947 to meet the post-World War II surge in demand for telephone services. The first area code to be used was New Jersey's 201 area code in 1951.

The United States of America is divided into regions, known as Area Codes that correspond with telephone dialing areas. Based on population, some states have only one area code, whereas others may have multiple area codes.

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