Alabama currently uses six area codes to serve its residents and businesses across the state. Understanding these codes is essential whether you’re moving to the Yellowhammer State, starting a business, or simply trying to identify an incoming call.
Complete list Of Alabama Area Codes
Alabama has 6 active area codes: 205, 251, 256, 334, 659, and 938.
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover | Central (CST) | Original | 1947 |
| 251 | Mobile, Baldwin County, Gulf Coast | Central (CST) | Split from 334 | 2001 |
| 256 | Huntsville, Gadsden, Florence, Anniston | Central (CST) | Split from 205 | 1998 |
| 334 | Montgomery, Dothan, Auburn, Phenix City | Central (CST) | Split from 205 | 1995 |
| 659 | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover (overlay) | Central (CST) | Overlay of 205 | 2019 |
| 938 | Huntsville, Gadsden, Florence (overlay) | Central (CST) | Overlay of 256 | 2010 |
Area Code 205 and 659: Central Alabama
The 205 area code was Alabama’s original telephone code when the North American Numbering Plan was established in 1947. Initially, it covered the entire state. Today, 205 serves central and west-central Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Hoover. In 2019, the 659 overlay was added to the same region, meaning both codes now serve identical geographic areas.
Area Code 251: Southwest Alabama and the Coast
Introduced in 2001, the 251 area code covers Alabama’s southwestern region and Gulf Coast. Major cities in this area include Mobile, Daphne, Gulf Shores, and Fairhope. If you’re looking for beach towns or coastal communities, you’ll likely encounter this code.
Area Code 256 and 938: Northern Alabama
The 256 area code was created in 1998 to serve northern and northeastern Alabama. This includes the technology hub Huntsville, along with Decatur, Florence, and the Shoals area. In 2010, the 938 overlay was implemented for the same region, requiring residents to use ten-digit dialing for all calls.
Area Code 334: Southeast and Central Alabama
Established in 1995 as Alabama’s first area code split from 205, the 334 code serves the southeastern and central portions of the state. Notable cities include the state capital, Montgomery, Auburn (home to Auburn University), and Dothan. This region will soon receive its own overlay code.
What’s New: The 483 Area Code Coming in 2026
Area code 483 is planned to be introduced as an overlay for the 334 region, with an expected start date of February 23, 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Existing 334 phone numbers will not change, and residents and businesses will be able to keep their current numbers. The new overlay is intended to expand the supply of available phone numbers as the Montgomery and Auburn areas continue to grow.
When 483 launches, ten-digit dialing will become mandatory for all calls within the region, even for local calls. This means you’ll need to dial the area code plus the seven-digit number every time.
Alabama Overlay Area Codes
You might wonder why Alabama uses overlay codes like 659, 938, and soon 483 instead of creating entirely new regions. An overlay allows multiple area codes to serve the same geographic area, which prevents the disruption of splitting a region into separate zones.
With overlays, residents don’t need to change their existing phone numbers. The main adjustment is switching to ten-digit dialing, which has become standard across most of the United States anyway.
Alabama Cities and Their Area Codes
- Birmingham – 205/659 – Population: ~200,000 (metro: 1.1 million) – Alabama’s largest city and economic center
- Montgomery – 334 – Population: ~200,000 – State capital
- Mobile – 251 – Population: ~187,000 – Port city and Gulf Coast hub
- Huntsville – 256/938 – Population: ~215,000 – “Rocket City,” aerospace center
- Tuscaloosa – 205/659 – Population: ~100,000 – Home to University of Alabama
- Hoover – 205/659 – Population: ~92,000 – Birmingham suburb
- Dothan – 334 – Population: ~68,000 – Wiregrass region center
- Auburn – 334 – Population: ~76,000 – Home to Auburn University
- Decatur – 256/938 – Population: ~57,000 – Tennessee River port
- Madison – 256/938 – Population: ~56,000 – Huntsville suburb
- Florence – 256/938 – Population: ~40,000 – Shoals region
- Gadsden – 256/938 – Population: ~33,000 – Northeast Alabama
- Vestavia Hills – 205/659 – Population: ~39,000 – Birmingham suburb
- Prattville – 334 – Population: ~37,000 – Montgomery suburb
- Phenix City – 334 – Population: ~38,000 – Georgia border
How To Use These Area codes?
- Calling from within the U.S
Dial the area code + 7-digit number (10 digits total). Alabama requires 10-digit dialing due to overlays. Adding “1” is optional and depends on your carrier.
- Calling from outside the U.S
Dial +1 + Alabama area code + 7-digit number. The +1 country code is mandatory for international calls.
Why Alabama Needs More Area Codes
The demand for phone numbers has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Today, most people carry multiple devices requiring separate numbers, from smartphones to tablets to business lines. Add in the growth of VoIP services, virtual phone systems, and smart home technology, and the available supply of phone numbers depletes quickly.
Alabama’s population growth, particularly in cities like Huntsville (which has seen significant aerospace and technology sector expansion) and the Birmingham metropolitan area, has accelerated this need.
Business Considerations
For businesses operating in Alabama, choosing the right area code can impact your local credibility. A local area code signals that you’re part of the community, which can increase trust and improve call answer rates. Many Alabama businesses prefer keeping traditional codes like 205 for Birmingham or 251 for Mobile because customers immediately recognize them as local.
If you’re expanding to Alabama from another state, consider exploring area codes in Texas, California, Massachusetts, New York, or Illinois to establish a presence in multiple markets.
Alabama’s telecommunications landscape continues to evolve. While six area codes currently serve the state, the addition of 483 in 2026 shows how growing communities require expanded infrastructure. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or just curious about Alabama’s phone system, understanding these codes helps you stay connected in the Heart of Dixie.