Vermont has 1 active area code serving the entire state across the Eastern Time Zone. Area code 802 has covered the state since 1947, making it one of only 11 states in the nation with a single area code. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, plan business communications, or understand dialing requirements in the Green Mountain State, this guide provides complete and current information about Vermont’s unique telecommunications landscape.

Quick Takeaways:

• This entire state uses only area code 802
• One of the original 86 area codes established in 1947
• Covers all 14 Vermont counties and approximately 643,000 residents
• Operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET/EST/EDT)
• 10-digit dialing has been mandatory since October 2021
• No overlay codes or splits planned in the near future

Area Code For Vermont USA

Area Code 802

The 802 represents more than just a telephone number prefix. It is a symbol of Vermont identity and one of the most distinctive area codes in North America.

Historical Significance

802 was established in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan. The state was assigned one of the initial 86 area codes that launched nationwide direct distance dialing. The middle digit “0” in 802 indicated that this code covered an entire state rather than just a portion of one.

This particular state has never required an area code split or overlay, making it one of only 11 states that still operate with a single area code. This remarkable stability reflects Vermont’s modest population growth and careful telecommunications management by the Vermont Public Utility Commission.

Geographic Coverage

Area code 802 covers Vermont’s entire 9,616 square miles, serving all 14 counties from the Canadian border to Massachusetts. The counties include Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor.

With approximately 643,000 residents, the state maintains one of the lowest population-to-area-code ratios in the country. Every phone number in Vermont, from Burlington to the smallest rural town, shares the same area code.

Cultural Identity

The Vermont phone area code 802 has become a source of pride for the state residents. Local businesses, breweries, and brands incorporate “802” into their names. Vermont 802 Spirits, 802 Brewing Company, and countless other enterprises celebrate their state roots through the area code.

This identification is so strong that many Vermonters view attempts to add new area codes as threats to state identity. Having just one reinforces small-state community feeling.

Current Usage and Dialing Requirements

As of October 24, 2021, Vermont requires mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls, even local ones. This change was implemented because the Federal Communications Commission designated 988 as the nationwide suicide prevention hotline. Since some Vermont exchanges used 988 as a prefix, 10-digit dialing became necessary.

To make a local call within the state, residents must now dial the full 10-digit number (802-XXX-XXXX) even when calling someone in the same town. The 1 prefix is not required for local calls, only for long-distance calls outside Vermont.

Currently, 527 prefixes are active within the 802 code. According to NANPA data, this area code is not in jeopardy of exhaustion, meaning Vermont will likely maintain its single area code status for many years.

Understanding Time Zones in Vermont

Time Zone Coverage

The entire state of Vermont operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). Unlike neighboring states that span multiple zones, Vermont’s compact geography means everyone in the state shares the same local time.

UTC Offset and Daylight Saving Time

Vermont observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months, which is UTC-5. During Daylight Saving Time, which runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, Vermont shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC-4.

Vermont shares the same time as major East Coast cities, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. When it’s noon in Vermont, it’s 9:00 AM in California and 11:00 AM in Chicago.

Scheduling Across Time Zones

For businesses scheduling calls with contacts outside Vermont, the Eastern Time Zone provides convenient timing. Vermont is three hours ahead of the Pacific Time Zone, two hours ahead of Mountain Time, and one hour ahead of Central Time.

International callers should note that Vermont is typically 5 hours behind UTC during standard time and 4 hours behind during daylight saving time.

Vermont Cities and Their Area Codes

All cities and towns in Vermont use area code 802. Here are the largest cities by population:

1. Burlington – Population: 44,000 – Vermont’s largest city and economic center
2. South Burlington – Population: 20,000 – Growing suburban community
3. Rutland – Population: 15,000 – Southern Vermont’s largest city
4. Essex Junction – Population: 10,500 – Chittenden County community
5. Bennington – Population: 15,000 – Historic southwestern Vermont city
6. Brattleboro – Population: 12,000 – Southeastern Vermont arts hub
7. Hartford – Population: 10,000 – White River Junction area
8. Colchester – Population: 17,000 – Lake Champlain community
9. Barre – Population: 9,000 – Granite center of the world
10. Montpelier – Population: 7,500 – Smallest state capital in the U.S.
11. St. Albans – Population: 6,900 – Northwestern Vermont city
12. Winooski – Population: 7,300 – Small city adjacent to Burlington
13. Middlebury – Population: 9,100 – Home to Middlebury College
14. Swanton – Population: 6,400 – Franklin County town
15. St. Johnsbury – Population: 7,600 – Northeastern Vermont hub

How to Use Area Codes in Vermont

Local Calling Requirements

Since October 2021, all calls within Vermont require 10-digit dialing. To call another Vermont number, dial 802-XXX-XXXX without the 1 prefix. This applies even when calling your next-door neighbor.

The format is simple: Area Code (802) + 7-digit phone number. If you accidentally dial just 7 digits, your call may not complete.

Calling Vermont from Outside the State

When calling Vermont from elsewhere in the United States or Canada, dial 1 + 802 + the 7-digit phone number. The format is 1-802-XXX-XXXX.

For international callers dialing Vermont from outside North America, the format is: Your country’s exit code + 1 (USA country code) + 802 + 7-digit number. For example, from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00-1-802-XXX-XXXX.

Mobile and Landline Considerations

Vermont phone numbers are portable, meaning you can keep your 802 number when switching from landline to mobile service or between carriers. Approximately 17.6% of 802 area code prefixes are designated for wireless use, while 82.4% are for landlines.

Despite being the only area code in the state, there is currently no shortage of available numbers. The NANPA reports that 802 is not in jeopardy of exhaustion, with 273 prefixes still available for future assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Vermont only have one area code?

Vermont maintains a single prefix because of its small population of approximately 643,000 residents. The state has experienced modest population growth, which means telephone number demand remains manageable within one area code.

Will Vermont get a new area code soon?

There are no immediate plans for Vermont to receive a new area code. According to NANPA, 802 is not in jeopardy of exhaustion. With 34.1% of possible prefixes still unassigned, the 802 code should remain sufficient for many years. If growth eventually requires additional numbers, Vermont would likely receive an overlay code.

Additional Resources

For more information about Vermont telecommunications and area codes:

• NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administration) at nationalnanpa.com
• Vermont Public Utility Commission at puc.vermont.gov
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at fcc.gov

For information about area codes in neighboring states, visit our guides for New Hampshire (603), New York (multiple codes, including 929), and Massachusetts (multiple codes, including 413).