Upcoming & planned area codes
Every approved-but-not-yet-in-service North American area code, plus the regions where an overlay is being planned. New codes are overlays — existing numbers never change. Sourced from the official NANPA database.
Approved area codes not yet in service
| New code | Region | Overlay of | In service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 273 | Alma, Quebec | 367, 418, 581 | February 27, 2027 |
| 565 | Savannah, Georgia | 912 | To be announced |
| 761 | Louisville, Kentucky | 502 | To be announced |
What it means for residents: a new code is an overlay laid over the same region. Only newly assigned lines get it; every existing number keeps its current area code. Because two codes share the area, all local calls are dialed with the full 10 digits — which these regions already do.
Area codes in relief planning
These regions are running low on available numbers, so an overlay is being planned. A relief code and in-service date have not been assigned yet — nothing changes for existing numbers until they are.
- 956 (Laredo, TX) — an overlay is being planned; no new area code has been assigned yet (flagged July 4, 2026).
How a new area code happens
When a region runs low on spare numbers, NANPA opens relief planning and issues a planning letter. A specific new code is then assigned to the area's overlay complex, with an in-service date — the day carriers may begin handing out numbers in the new code. Before that date the code is reserved and no phone is issued one. Modern relief is almost always an overlay rather than a split, so no one has to change an existing number.
See how overlays and splits differ on the overlays & splits guide, or track dated changes on area code news.
Frequently asked questions
What new area codes are coming to the US and Canada?
Approved but not-yet-in-service NANP area codes are listed at the top of this page with the overlay complex each one joins. As of the latest NANPA data they are 273 (a Québec overlay of the 418/367/581 complex, in service February 27, 2027), 565 (a new overlay of 912 in the Savannah, Georgia area), and 761 (a new overlay of 502 in the Louisville, Kentucky area). Codes with no announced start date show as to be announced.
Do I have to change my number when a new area code arrives?
No. Every new code here is an overlay — a second area code laid over the same region for newly assigned numbers. Existing phone numbers keep their current area code, and nobody is required to change their number. Because two codes then share the area, all local calls are dialed with the full 10 digits.
When does a planned area code start being assigned?
New numbers with the code begin only on its in-service date. Before then the code is reserved and no phone is issued one. Where NANPA has set a date it is shown above; where it has not, the code is approved but its start date is still to be announced.
What does it mean when an area code is 'in relief planning'?
Relief planning means a region is running low on available numbers and the numbering authority has begun planning added capacity — almost always an overlay. No new area code has been assigned yet, and nothing changes for existing numbers until a specific code and in-service date are announced. Area code 956 (Laredo, Texas) entered relief planning in July 2026.
Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of July 4, 2026. Refreshed monthly.