New Jersey has 10 active area codes serving its diverse communities across the entire Eastern Time Zone. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, establish a local business presence, or schedule calls across the state, this guide provides complete and current information about every New Jersey area code and the regions they serve.
Key Takeaways:
- New Jersey currently uses 10 area codes across six geographic regions
- The entire state observes Eastern Time (EST/EDT, UTC-5/UTC-4)
- Area code 201 was the first ever assigned in North America in 1947
- Four overlay complexes exist (201/551, 732/848, 973/862, 856/640)
- 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls statewide
- Area code 973 serves the most residents (approximately 1.9 million people)
New Jersey Area Codes Reference Table
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | Jersey City, Hoboken, Hackensack | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 551 | Bergen, Hudson Counties | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Overlay | 2001 |
| 609 | Trenton, Atlantic City, Princeton | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split | 1957 |
| 640 | Southern New Jersey | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Overlay | 2018 |
| 732 | New Brunswick, Edison, Toms River | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split | 1997 |
| 848 | Central New Jersey | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Overlay | 2001 |
| 856 | Camden, Cherry Hill, Vineland | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split | 1999 |
| 862 | Northern New Jersey | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Overlay | 2001 |
| 908 | Elizabeth, Plainfield, Bridgewater | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split | 1991 |
| 973 | Newark, Paterson, Morristown | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Split | 1997 |
Northern New Jersey Area Codes
Area Code 201 and 551 (Bergen and Hudson Counties)
Area code 201 holds the distinction of being the very first area code ever assigned in North America when the system launched in 1947. Originally covering the entire state, 201 now serves the northeastern corner, primarily Bergen and Hudson counties. This region includes Jersey City (population 290,000+), Hoboken, Hackensack, Bayonne, Fort Lee, and Englewood.
The area underwent multiple splits over the decades. Southern New Jersey was separated in 1957, the central regions in 1991, and the northern counties in 1997. By 2001, even the reduced 201 territory needed relief, leading to the introduction of overlay code 551. Today, both codes serve approximately 1.5 million residents in one of America’s most densely populated areas.
The 201/551 region represents the New York metropolitan area’s New Jersey extension, featuring strong transportation links via PATH trains, ferries, and major highways. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within this overlay area.
Area Code 973 and 862 (Essex, Passaic, Morris, Sussex Counties)
Area code 973 serves northern New Jersey’s most populous region, covering Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties. Newark, the state’s largest city with 311,000 residents, anchors this area alongside Paterson (159,000), East Orange, Clifton, Passaic, and Morristown. The region is home to approximately 1.9 million people, more than any other New Jersey area code.
The 973/862 region spans from dense urban centers to rural northwestern communities, representing diverse economic activity from Newark’s port and airport operations to Morris County’s corporate headquarters corridor.
Central New Jersey Area Codes
Area Code 732 and 848 (Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean Counties)
Area code 732 serves central and coastal New Jersey, covering Middlesex, Monmouth, and portions of Ocean counties. Major communities include New Brunswick (home to Rutgers University’s main campus), Edison (100,000+ residents), Toms River, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, Long Branch, and Lakewood. The region stretches from suburban areas near New York City to popular Jersey Shore beach destinations.
Created in 1997 through a split from 908, the 732 area code required overlay relief by 2001. Area code 848 now serves the same geographic territory, with both codes assigned based on availability. The region’s economy blends education, healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, technology, and tourism, particularly along the Atlantic coastline.
The 732/848 region benefits from major transportation corridors, including the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike, serving as a critical link between the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas.
Area Code 908 (Union, Somerset, Warren, Hunterdon Counties)
Area code 908 serves central and western New Jersey, covering Union, Somerset, Warren, and Hunterdon counties. Elizabeth, the Union County seat with 137,000 residents, is the largest city in this region. Other significant communities include Plainfield, Bridgewater, Summit, Westfield, and Phillipsburg.
Established in 1991 as New Jersey’s first area code split since 1957, 908 was carved from the original 201 territory. Six years later, the 1997 split further divided 908, creating 732 for the coastal regions. The area serves approximately 1.3 million residents across a mix of suburban, rural, and small urban communities.
The 908 region features diverse economic activity, from Union County’s transportation and logistics operations to Somerset County’s pharmaceutical and corporate offices. The western portions include agricultural areas and small historic towns. Currently, 908 does not have an overlay, though number exhaustion projections suggest one may be needed within the next decade.
Southern New Jersey Area Codes
Area Code 609 (Trenton, Atlantic City, Princeton, South Jersey Shore)
Area code 609, created in 1957, was New Jersey’s first area code split from the original 201. This historic code serves southern and coastal regions, including Mercer, Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. The area encompasses Trenton (the state capital, population 90,000), Atlantic City (the gaming and resort hub, 38,000 residents), and Princeton (home to Princeton University).
The 609 region features remarkable geographic and economic diversity. It includes government operations in Trenton, world-class education and research in Princeton, casino and hospitality industries in Atlantic City, agricultural areas in Burlington County, and popular shore destinations like Ocean City, Cape May, and Wildwood. The region also covers Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a major military installation.
Despite serving a large geographic area, 609 has not yet required an overlay, though number conservation measures are in place. The region’s population density varies dramatically from dense shore communities to sparsely populated Pine Barrens areas.
Area Code 856 and 640 (Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem Counties)
Area code 856 serves southwestern New Jersey, including Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, and Salem counties. Camden, the county seat with approximately 71,000 residents, anchors the region alongside Cherry Hill (the state’s largest township by population, 74,000), Vineland, Gloucester Township, and Pennsauken. The area serves roughly 800,000 residents in the Philadelphia metropolitan area’s New Jersey suburbs.
Created in 1999 through a split from 609, area code 856 represented the last geographic split in New Jersey for two decades. The region features diverse industries, including healthcare, education (Rowan University in Glassboro), logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture. Camden’s waterfront has undergone significant redevelopment, while Cherry Hill remains a major retail and business center.
Area code 640 was approved in 2018 as an overlay for the 856 region but has not yet been activated. Implementation will occur when the number of exhaustion in 856 becomes imminent, likely within the next few years. When activated, both codes will serve the same geographic area with mandatory 10-digit dialing.
Understanding Time Zones in New Jersey
This state lies entirely within the Eastern Time Zone, one of the simplest timezone situations of any state. Unlike states such as Florida or Texas that span multiple zones, every part of the state observes the same time year-round.
The state follows Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) from November through mid-March, and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during the daylight saving period from mid-March through early November. This consistency makes scheduling calls and meetings across New Jersey straightforward, with no timezone confusion, regardless of whether you’re calling Newark in the north or Cape May in the south.
New Jersey’s single timezone status provides significant advantages for business operations, as companies can maintain consistent hours across the entire state. Residents never need to adjust clocks when traveling within state borders, and coordination with New York and Pennsylvania neighbors follows the same timezone rules.
Cities and Their Codes
Major Cities by Population:
- Newark – 973/862 (311,000 residents, Essex County)
- Jersey City – 201/551 (290,000 residents, Hudson County)
- Paterson – 973/862 (159,000 residents, Passaic County)
- Elizabeth – 908 (137,000 residents, Union County)
- Edison – 732/848 (107,000 residents, Middlesex County)
- Woodbridge – 732/848 (103,000 residents, Middlesex County)
- Lakewood – 732/848 (102,000 residents, Ocean County)
- Toms River – 732/848 (95,000 residents, Ocean County)
- Hamilton – 609 (92,000 residents, Mercer County)
- Trenton – 609 (90,000 residents, Mercer County, state capital)
- Clifton – 973/862 (90,000 residents, Passaic County)
- Camden – 856/640 (71,000 residents, Camden County)
- Brick – 732/848 (75,000 residents, Ocean County)
- Cherry Hill – 856/640 (74,000 residents, Camden County)
- Passaic – 973/862 (70,000 residents, Passaic County)
How to Use Area Codes in New Jersey
The state requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, even local ones within the same area code. This requirement was implemented gradually as overlay codes were introduced, and now applies statewide regardless of whether you’re calling within an overlay region or not.
To make a local call within the state, dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number (total 10 digits). You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for local calls. For long-distance calls within the state or to other states, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number.
Mobile phones automatically handle the dialing format, but landline users must remember to include the area code even when calling a neighbor. Businesses should always display their full 10-digit phone number on marketing materials, business cards, and websites.
For international callers reaching New Jersey, the format is: +1 (country code for USA) + area code + seven-digit number. All New Jersey numbers follow the North American Numbering Plan format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is area code 201 and why is it significant?
Area code 201 was the very first area code assigned in the North American Numbering Plan when the system launched in 1947. It originally covered all of New Jersey but now serves only Bergen and Hudson counties in the northeastern part of the state, including Jersey City and Hoboken. The code is overlaid with 551, meaning both codes serve the same geographic area.
Does New Jersey have 10-digit dialing?
Yes, 10-digit dialing is mandatory throughout New Jersey for all calls, including local calls. You must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number even when calling within your same area code. This requirement was implemented as overlay area codes were introduced and now applies statewide.
What area code is 609 in New Jersey?
Area code 609 serves southern and coastal New Jersey, including Trenton (the state capital), Atlantic City, Princeton, and shore communities in Ocean, Burlington, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. Created in 1957, it was New Jersey’s first area code split and covers the largest geographic area of any code in the state.
Which area code is 973?
Area code 973 serves northern New Jersey, covering Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties. Major cities include Newark (New Jersey’s largest city), Paterson, East Orange, Clifton, and Morristown. It’s overlaid with area code 862, and together they serve approximately 1.9 million residents, the most of any area code region in the state.
What is the newest area code in New Jersey?
Area code 640 is the newest code assigned to New Jersey, approved in 2018 as an overlay for the 856 region in southwestern New Jersey. However, it has not yet been activated. When number exhaustion occurs in the 856 area code (projected within the next few years), 640 will begin being assigned to new phone numbers in Camden, Cherry Hill, Vineland, and surrounding communities.
Why does New Jersey have so many area codes?
New Jersey has 10 area codes due to its high population density (the highest in the United States) and extensive telecommunications usage. As the most densely populated state, New Jersey exhausts phone numbers faster than most other areas. The proliferation of mobile phones, fax machines, and internet-connected devices since the 1990s has accelerated the need for additional area codes.
What time zone is New Jersey in?
New Jersey is entirely within the Eastern Time Zone. The entire state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) in winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) in summer. Unlike some states that span multiple time zones, every part of New Jersey, from Newark to Cape May, keeps the same time.
Additional Resources
For official information about New Jersey area codes, consult the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) at nationalnanpa.com. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities oversees telecommunications regulation within the state.
To verify an area code or look up specific rate centers, visit the NANPA website’s area code search tool. For reporting number portability issues or filing telecommunications complaints, contact the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Stay updated on area code changes and new overlay implementations by monitoring announcements from telecommunications providers and state regulatory agencies.