Idaho has 2 active area codes serving the entire state across two distinct time zones. Area code 208, one of the original codes from 1947, covers all of the state, while 986 was added in 2017 as an overlay to meet growing demand. Most of the state follows Mountain Time, but the northern panhandle observes Pacific Time.
Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, plan business communications across time zones, or understand local dialing requirements, this guide provides complete and current information about Idaho’s area codes and time zones.
Idaho Area Codes: Quick Reference Table
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 208 | Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Meridian | Mountain/Pacific | Original | 1947 |
| 986 | All Idaho cities (overlay) | Mountain/Pacific | Overlay | 2017 |
Area Code 208: Idaho's Original Code
History and Background
208 is one of the 86 original North American codes established in 1947, serving the entire state of Idaho for 70 years as its sole area code. This distinction makes that state one of only 15 states that have maintained a single statewide area code since the original North American Numbering Plan was introduced.
Geographic Coverage and Population
The 208 code covers all 44 counties across Idaho’s 83,569 square miles, serving major population centers including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, Caldwell, Lewiston, and Moscow. The code serves approximately 2.03 million residents as of 2025, reflecting significant growth from the original 1947 population.
Geographically, 208 spans both Mountain Time (covering most of the state) and Pacific Time (the northern panhandle region). The code serves diverse regions from urban tech hubs in the Boise metropolitan area to remote mountain communities in central Idaho.
The Path to the 986 Overlay
In 2001, NANPA projected that demand would exhaust the numbering pool of area code 208 in 2003, but conservation measures extended its lifespan. By 2015, with Idaho’s population boom and increased mobile device usage, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission recognized the need for additional numbering resources, leading to the approval of the 986 overlay.
Area Code 986: The Overlay Addition
Implementation Timeline
On November 2, 2015, the Idaho PUC approved the addition of area code 986 as a statewide overlay. Unlike area code splits that divide geographic regions, an overlay allows two codes to serve the identical territory, preserving existing phone numbers while expanding capacity.
Area code 986 officially entered service on November 5, 2016. The implementation included a permissive dialing period during which callers could use either seven or ten digits. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory across Idaho on August 5, 2017, with new phone numbers beginning to receive 986 assignments in September 2017.
Why Idaho Chose an Overlay
The overlay system was chosen to avoid the complications of splitting Idaho’s predominantly rural regions into separate area code zones. This approach prevented businesses from needing to update marketing materials and allowed residents to keep their established 208 numbers. Both 208 and 986 phone numbers function identically, with no difference in service quality, cost, or coverage area.
Impact and Capacity
The addition of 986 provided Idaho with approximately 7.8 million additional phone numbers, supporting continued population growth, business expansion, and the increasing demand for multiple devices per person. The state’s steady population increase, driven largely by migration to cities like Boise and Meridian, made this expansion essential for maintaining an adequate telephone number supply.
Understanding Time Zones in Idaho
The Two-Zone Split
This state is one of just 13 states divided between two time zones. The majority of Idaho south of the Salmon River follows the Mountain Time Zone, whereas the northern part north of the Salmon is in the Pacific Time Zone, making up 25% of the state and 10 counties.
Mountain Time Zone Coverage
The Mountain Time Zone (UTC-7 standard time, UTC-6 during Daylight Saving Time) covers the southern, central, and eastern portions of Idaho, including major cities like Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Meridian. This represents approximately 75% of Idaho’s geographic area and about 90% of its population.
Pacific Time Zone Coverage
The Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8 standard time, UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time) covers the northern panhandle region, including cities like Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Moscow, and Sandpoint. The Time Zone Bridge on the Salmon River in Riggins is the most well-known time zone change indicator, marking the transition between Pacific and Mountain time.
Daylight Saving Time and Practical Tips
Both regions of Idaho observe Daylight Saving Time, which begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. When scheduling calls or meetings across the state, remember that there can be a one-hour time difference between northern and southern regions.
For practical purposes, if you are calling from Mountain Time to Pacific Time, for that state, you need to account for the one-hour difference. Similarly, northern Idaho aligns with Spokane, Washington, while southern Idaho aligns with Salt Lake City, Utah, in terms of time zones.
Major Cities and Their Area Codes
All Idaho cities are served by both 208 and 986 due to the statewide overlay. Here are the largest cities:
- Boise (Capital, Mountain Time): Population approximately 235,000, Idaho’s largest city and economic hub, center of the growing tech industry.
- Meridian (Mountain Time): Fast-growing suburban city near Boise with approximately 135,000 residents.
- Nampa (Mountain Time): Third-largest city with around 105,000 residents, part of the Treasure Valley.
- Idaho Falls (Mountain Time): Eastern Idaho’s largest city with approximately 65,000 residents, home to Idaho National Laboratory.
- Pocatello (Mountain Time): Population around 56,000, serves as a regional commercial center in southeastern Idaho.
- Coeur d’Alene (Pacific Time): Northern Idaho’s largest city with approximately 55,000 residents, popular tourist destination.
- Twin Falls (Mountain Time): South-central Idaho hub with around 52,000 residents, agricultural center.
- Caldwell (Mountain Time): Population approximately 60,000, a rapidly growing city in Canyon County.
- Lewiston (Pacific Time): North-central Idaho port city with around 34,000 residents.
- Moscow (Pacific Time): Home to the University of Idaho, population approximately 25,000.
How to Use Area Codes in Idaho
Since August 5, 2017, all calls within Idaho require 10-digit dialing. This means you must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number for all local calls, even if you are calling someone in the same area code and city.
For local calls: Dial the 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit number). Do not dial 1 before the area code.
For long-distance calls within Idaho: Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number.
For calls from outside: Dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number (from within the US) or +1 + area code + 7-digit number (international format).
Emergency services: Continue dialing 911 for emergencies. Other three-digit services like 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, and 811 remain accessible with just three digits where available.
Both mobile phones and landlines follow the same dialing requirements. Most modern phones automatically format numbers correctly, but it is important to program all contacts with the full 10-digit number to avoid call failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does Idaho have?
This state has 2 active area codes: 208 and 986. Both codes serve the entire state as an overlay, meaning they cover the same geographic area. 208 was established in 1947, while 986 was added in 2017 to provide additional phone number capacity.
What time zones is Idaho in?
It spans two time zones. Most of the state (approximately 75%) uses Mountain Time, while the northern panhandle region (about 25%) uses Pacific Time. The dividing line generally follows the Salmon River near Riggins. Both regions observe Daylight Saving Time.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Idaho?
Yes. Since August 5, 2017, all calls in Idaho require 10-digit dialing. You must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number for all calls, even local calls within your city. This requirement was implemented when the 986 overlay was introduced.
What is the oldest area code in Idaho?
208 is the oldest and original code, established in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan. It remained Idaho’s only area code for 70 years until 986 was added in 2017.
When was area code 986 introduced?
986 officially entered service on November 5, 2016, with a permissive dialing period allowing adjustment. Mandatory 10-digit dialing began on August 5, 2017, and new numbers started receiving 986 assignments in September 2017.
Are new area codes planned for Idaho?
Currently, there is no plan. The 208/986 overlay system provides sufficient numbering capacity to accommodate Idaho’s population growth for the foreseeable future. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator monitors usage and would announce any future changes well in advance.
Why does Idaho have two time zones?
Idaho’s time zone split dates back to early 20th-century railroad logistics and regional economic ties. Northern Idaho’s panhandle region aligned with Spokane, Washington, maintaining Pacific Time, while southern Idaho aligned with Salt Lake City and adopted Mountain Time in 1920. The division follows the Salmon River and reflects the state’s geographic and economic relationships.
How do I get an Idaho phone number?
You can obtain an Idaho phone number (with either 208 or 986 area code) through various providers, including traditional phone companies, mobile carriers, and VoIP services. Many modern business communication platforms allow you to select local Idaho numbers regardless of your physical location, which helps establish a local presence for business purposes.
What cities use 208?
All cities in the state use code 208, as it covers the entire state. Major cities include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, Caldwell, Lewiston, and Moscow. Due to the 986 overlay, these same cities also use 986.
Can I keep my 208 number if I move within Idaho?
Yes, you can typically keep your 208 (or 986) phone number when moving within the state, especially with mobile phones. However, some local regulations or service provider policies may apply. Contact your phone service provider to confirm number portability for your specific situation.
Last Updated: November 2025 | Sources: North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Federal Communications Commission.