Washington, DC uses 2 active area codes serving the nation’s capital in the Eastern Time Zone. The 202 area code is the original code from 1947, while 771 was added as an overlay in 2021. Whether you need to identify a caller from DC, schedule meetings with federal agencies, or understand the capital’s phone system, this guide provides accurate information about Washington area codes.
Key Takeaways:
- Washington, DC has 2 area codes: 202 (original) and 771 (overlay)
- Both codes cover the entire district with no geographic divisions
- All calls within DC require 10-digit dialing
- The district operates in Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5/UTC-4)
- Area code 202 is one of the original 86 codes from 1947
Phone Area Code For Washington DC
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202 | Washington, DC (entire district) | Eastern (ET) | Original | 1947 |
| 771 | Washington, DC (entire district) | Eastern (ET) | Overlay | 2021 |
Area Code 202: Washington’s Historic Code
Area code 202 is one of the original 86 area codes established in 1947. It initially served DC, portions of Maryland, and Virginia. As the region grew, Maryland received 301 and Virginia received 703, leaving 202 exclusively for the district.
Coverage Area
The 202 code serves all of Washington, DC, including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Shaw. It reaches every federal building, the White House, US Capitol, Supreme Court, Smithsonian Institution, embassies, and universities like Georgetown and George Washington.
Current Significance
The 202 area code carries significant prestige. Businesses, law firms, and advocacy groups value 202 numbers as they signal proximity to federal power. The code serves approximately 700,000 residents plus hundreds of thousands of daily commuters.
Area Code 771: Washington’s Overlay Code
Area code 771 launched on June 13, 2021, as an overlay to 202. Both codes serve the exact same 68-square-mile territory with no geographic division. This approach provided additional phone numbers without forcing customers to change existing numbers.
Why It Was Needed
Number exhaustion occurred despite DC’s small size due to high concentration of government agencies, businesses, and embassies. Mobile phones, fax lines, and internet devices accelerated demand. An overlay preserved the unity of the capital’s phone system rather than splitting the district.
Impact on Dialing
When 771 was introduced, all DC residents began using 10-digit dialing for every call, even local ones. This required updating contact lists and automated systems but preserved valuable 202 numbers.
Understanding Time Zones in Washington, DC
Washington, DC operates entirely in the Eastern Time Zone. The district observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) in winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) in summer. There are no time zone divisions within DC.
For scheduling, Eastern Time is 3 hours ahead of Pacific, 2 hours ahead of Mountain, and 1 hour ahead of Central. Official business hours typically run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. During international calls, Washington is 5 hours behind London in winter and 4 hours behind in summer.
How to Use Area Codes in Washington, DC
Local Calling
All calls within DC require 10-digit dialing: area code (202 or 771) plus seven-digit number. Do not dial “1” before the area code for local calls. This has been required since 2021.
Calling from Outside DC
From elsewhere in the US: dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number (example: 1-202-555-0123).
From international locations: dial your country’s exit code + 1 + area code + seven-digit number (example from UK: 011-1-202-555-0123).
Mobile and Landline
Both mobile and landline phones use the same area codes without distinction. You cannot determine if a number is mobile or landline based on the area code. Federal government and business mobile lines use these same codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Washington, DC have two area codes if it’s so small?
The high concentration of government agencies, businesses, and embassies creates exceptional demand for phone numbers despite DC’s 68-square-mile size. Each entity needs multiple lines for departments, fax machines, mobile devices, and internet services. The 771 overlay was added in 2021 to meet demand without changing existing 202 numbers.
Is a 202 area code more prestigious than 771?
While both codes serve DC equally, 202 carries historical significance as one of the original 1947 codes. Many businesses value 202 numbers for established reputation, but 771 numbers function identically and represent the same location.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in DC?
Yes, all calls within Washington, DC require 10-digit dialing (area code plus seven-digit number), even for local calls. This started when 771 was implemented in 2021. Do not dial “1” before the area code for local calls.
Can I request a specific area code (202 or 771) for a new number?
You can express a preference, but availability depends on unassigned numbers. Some 202 numbers remain available, while 771 numbers are generally more accessible. Business customers often request 202 numbers for recognition.
Do government offices use 202 or 771 area codes?
Federal government offices primarily use 202 codes, as most were established before the 771 overlay. However, newer government lines or mobile devices may receive 771 assignments. Both codes are official and equivalent for government communications.