Washington DC area codes: 202 and 771
In Washington DC, 2 area codes are active today. The oldest one began in 1947; the newest, 771, came into service in 2021.
- Area codes now active
- 2
- Most recent code
- 771
- The rate centres
- 1
- The time zones
- Eastern
Every Washington DC area code
| Code | Main places | Since | Overlay | Time zone | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202 | Washington | 1947 | 771 | Eastern time | 2088 |
| 771 | Washington | 2021 | 202 | Eastern time | 2088 |
Source: file of 11/01/2026 from NANPA, covering the area code report, the rate-centre report and the exhaust projections. This is not an official NANPA website.
The way Washington DC got its area codes
For 74 years, 202 covered Washington DC on its own, until 771 opened in 2021.
Placing calls in Washington DC
Calls in 202 and 771 use 10-digit dialling for local calls and 1 + 10-digit dialling for long distance.
Will a new area code be added for Washington DC?
Years away: 202/771 will run out first, in 2088, according to NANPA.
| Code or overlay group | Forecast exhaust | Forecast in 2023.2 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202/771 | 2088 3Q | 2051 | 37 years later than in 2023.2 |
Area codes used across the Washington DC line
Area codes in states bordering Washington DC
Washington DC area code questions
How many area codes does Washington DC have?
According to the NANPA file of 11/01/2026, 2 codes are in service.
Which Washington DC area code is the oldest?
The code 202 has been in service since 1947.
Are overlays used in Washington DC?
Yes: another code covers the same area as 202 and 771, so local calls need 10-digit dialling.
How can I get a Washington DC number?
Pick the code first, then compare providers on first-year cost.