Area codes in Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, District of Columbia uses 2 area codes — 202 and 771. The main Washington area code is 202.
Area codes serving Washington
Phone numbers in Washington are written as ten digits — for example (202) 555-0190 — and fall in the Eastern Time zone.
How Washington came to have 2 area codes
The original Washington area code is 202, in service since 1947. As the area ran low on available numbers, an overlay code was added over the same region for new phone lines: 771 (2021). Existing numbers kept their original code — an overlay never forces anyone to change their number — which is why Washington now uses all 2 codes and every local call is dialed with ten digits.
All District of Columbia area codes · Is a Washington call a scam?
Nearby cities
- Alexandria area codes
- Silver Spring area codes
- Fairfax area codes
- Rockville area codes
- Baltimore area codes
- Manassas area codes
- Annapolis area codes
- Frederick area codes
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Washington?
The main area code for Washington, District of Columbia is 202. Washington is now served by 2 area codes in total: 202, 771.
How many area codes does Washington have?
Washington has 2 area codes: 202, 771.
Why does Washington have more than one area code?
As Washington used up the numbers available in its original area code (202, in service since 1947), additional "overlay" codes were added over the same area so new phone numbers could keep being assigned.
How do you dial a Washington number?
Dial all 10 digits — the area code (202 or 771) followed by the 7-digit local number. From abroad, dial +1, then the area code and number.
Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of August 2, 2026. Refreshed monthly.