Virginia has 10 active area codes serving its diverse regions across the Eastern Time Zone. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller from Richmond, schedule business calls with Norfolk contacts, or understand the newest 686 area code overlay, this guide provides current and comprehensive information about every Virginia area code. Understanding these codes helps you connect efficiently across the Commonwealth.

Key Takeaways:

• Virginia uses 10 active area codes: 276, 434, 540, 571, 686, 703, 757, 804, 826, and 948
• Area code 686 was activated in February 2024 as the newest overlay for the 804 region
• All Virginia regions operate in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT, UTC-5/UTC-4)
• 10-digit dialing is mandatory statewide for all local calls
• Four overlay situations exist: 571/703, 686/804, 826/540, and 948/757

Virginia Area Codes

Area Code 276: Southwestern Virginia

Area code 276 serves Virginia’s southwestern region, including Bristol, Galax, and Martinsville. Created in 2001 as a split from 540, this code covers scenic mountain communities and small towns across the Appalachian region. The area supports manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism industries while maintaining its traditional mountain culture and heritage.

Area Code 434: South Central Virginia

The 434 area code covers south central Virginia, including Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Danville. Established in 2001 from an 804 split, this region includes major universities and historic communities. Charlottesville hosts the University of Virginia, while Lynchburg serves as a key educational and commercial center in Virginia’s Piedmont region.

Area Code 540: Western and Northern Virginia

Area code 540 serves western and northern Virginia, including Roanoke, Blacksburg, and Harrisonburg. Introduced in 1996 as Virginia’s third area code, it covers the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountain regions. The area supports Virginia Tech, diverse agriculture, and growing technology sectors throughout the scenic western portion of the state.

Area Code 571: Northern Virginia Overlay

The 571 area code overlays 703 in Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, Fairfax, and Manassas. Activated in 2001 to address number exhaustion near Washington, D.C., this overlay serves one of Virginia’s most densely populated regions. The area includes federal contractors, technology companies, and millions of residents in the D.C. metropolitan area.

Area Code 686: Central Virginia Overlay (NEW)

✨ NEW: Activated February 1, 2024

Area code 686 is Virginia’s newest overlay serving the same region as 804, including Richmond, Petersburg, and Ashland. The Virginia State Corporation Commission approved this overlay in November 2022 after projecting 804 would exhaust during 2024. This overlay provides approximately 32 years of additional numbering resources for Virginia’s capital region and Northern Neck.

Area Code 703: Northern Virginia

The 703 area code is Virginia’s original code, established in 1947, covering Arlington, Falls Church, and McLean. Initially serving the entire state, 703 now focuses on Northern Virginia near Washington D.C. This historic code remains one of Virginia’s most populated areas with approximately 2.1 million residents in the immediate D.C. suburbs.

Area Code 757: Hampton Roads and Southeastern Virginia

Area code 757 serves Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. Created in 2000 from an 804 split, this coastal region includes major military installations, shipping ports, and beach communities. The area serves as Virginia’s maritime center with significant naval operations and international trade through the Port of Virginia.

Area Code 804: Central and Eastern Virginia

The 804 area code covers central and eastern Virginia, including Richmond, Mechanicsville, and Henrico County. Established in 1973 as Virginia’s second area code, it serves the state capital and the surrounding metro area. The region includes government offices, financial institutions, and the Northern Neck peninsula extending to the Chesapeake Bay.

Area Code 826: Western and Northern Virginia Overlay

Area code 826 overlays 540 in western and northern Virginia, including Fredericksburg and Winchester. Implemented in 2022 to prevent number exhaustion, this overlay serves the same geographic area as 540. The region continues experiencing growth from northern expansion while maintaining its agricultural heritage and Civil War historical significance throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

Area Code 948: Hampton Roads Overlay

The 948 area code overlays 757 in Hampton Roads, including Newport News, Hampton, and Suffolk. Activated in 2023 to address numbering needs in Virginia’s southeastern coastal region, this overlay serves the same cities as 757. The area supports naval operations, shipbuilding industries, and growing coastal communities throughout the Tidewater region.

Understanding Time Zones in Virginia

All Virginia regions operate in the Eastern Time Zone with no exceptions. The state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) from November through March and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) from March through November. When scheduling calls across different states, remember Virginia is three hours ahead of Pacific Time and one hour ahead of Central Time. Daylight Saving Time begins the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November.

Virginia Cities and Their Area Codes

Northern Virginia:

• Arlington: 703, 571
• Alexandria: 703, 571
• Fairfax: 703, 571
• Manassas: 703, 571

Central Virginia:

• Richmond: 804, 686
• Charlottesville: 434
• Lynchburg: 434
• Fredericksburg: 540, 826

Hampton Roads:

• Virginia Beach: 757, 948
• Norfolk: 757, 948
• Chesapeake: 757, 948
• Newport News: 757, 948

Western Virginia:

• Roanoke: 540, 826
• Blacksburg: 540, 826

How to Use Area Codes in Virginia

Local Calling: Virginia requires 10-digit dialing for all local calls. You must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number, even when calling within the same area code. For overlay regions like 804/686 or 703/571, always include the area code to ensure proper call completion.

Long Distance Calls: Dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number for calls outside your local calling area but within Virginia. The definition of local calling areas varies by telephone provider and service plan.

International Calls to Virginia: From outside North America, dial your country’s international access code (often 011 or 00), then 1 (the country code for the United States), followed by the Virginia area code and seven-digit number.

Mobile Considerations: Mobile phones typically require 10-digit dialing automatically. Many smartphones format numbers with parentheses around the area code for visual clarity, but the ten digits remain the standard format throughout Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many area codes does Virginia have?

Virginia currently has 10 active area codes serving different regions across the state. These include the original 703 code from 1947, along with split codes 804 (1973), 540 (1996), 757 (2000), 276 and 434 (both 2001), and overlay codes 571 (2001), 826 (2022), 948 (2023), and 686 (2024). The Virginia State Corporation Commission manages area code implementation as population growth and telecommunications demand require additional numbering resources.

What is the newest Virginia area code?

Area code 686 is Virginia’s newest code, activated February 1, 2024. This overlay serves the same central Virginia region as area code 804, including Richmond, Petersburg, and Ashland. The Virginia SCC approved 686 in November 2022 after projections showed 804 would exhaust available numbers during 2024. New phone service requests in this region may receive either 804 or 686 numbers.

Does Virginia have multiple time zones?

No, all Virginia regions use Eastern Time Zone exclusively. Unlike some states that span multiple time zones, Virginia operates entirely on Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in summer. This consistency simplifies scheduling and communications across the Commonwealth. Virginia observes Daylight Saving Time from March through November each year.

Do I need to dial 10 digits for local calls in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia requires 10-digit dialing statewide for all local calls. You must dial the three-digit area code followed by the seven-digit phone number, even when calling someone in the same area code. This requirement became mandatory throughout Virginia following the national implementation of 988 as the suicide prevention hotline. Emergency numbers like 911 and 988 still require only three digits.

What is area code 686 in Virginia?

Area code 686 is an overlay for Virginia’s 804 region, serving Richmond, Petersburg, Ashland, and surrounding central Virginia communities. Implemented February 1, 2024, it provides the same geographic coverage as 804 to address number exhaustion in the capital region. Existing 804 customers keep their numbers, while new service requests may receive 686 assignments. Both codes require 10-digit dialing for all calls.

Additional Resources

For official Virginia area code information and updates, visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission website. The North American Numbering Plan Administration provides technical details about area code assignments and planning. For questions about specific area code implementation or relief planning, contact the Virginia SCC Division of Communications.