Maine has just 1 active area code, 207, serving the entire state across the Eastern Time Zone. This 207 code has covered Maine since 1947 and recently received an extension through 2045 thanks to conservation efforts by state regulators. Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, understand dialing requirements, or learn about Maine’s unique telephone history, this guide provides current and comprehensive information about the Pine Tree State’s iconic area code.
Quick Reference: Maine Area Code
| Area Code | Coverage | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 207 | Entire state (all 16 counties) | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Original | 1947 |
Area Code 207: Complete Details
Basic Information
207 is the sole telephone area code serving this state, making it one of only 11 states in the U.S. that still use a single one. This three-digit code covers all 16 counties across Maine, from the southern coastal communities to the northern wilderness regions.
Major cities using area code 207 include Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland, Auburn, Biddeford, Augusta, Saco, Westbrook, and Waterville. The entire state operates within the Eastern Time Zone, switching between EST (UTC-5) in winter and EDT (UTC-4) during daylight saving time.
207 is classified as an original code, meaning it has never been split or overlaid with another area code since its creation. This makes Maine’s area code situation remarkably simple compared to states with multiple overlapping codes.
Historical Background
Area code 207 was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes created when AT&T and the Bell System implemented the North American Numbering Plan. The middle digit “0” indicated that this code covered an entire state, a designation used in the original numbering system.
For over 75 years, Maine has maintained this single code, a remarkable achievement in an era when mobile phones and digital services have dramatically increased demand for phone numbers. The state joins just 10 other states with this distinction, including Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Recent Major Development: In April 2025, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) extended the projected life of area code 207 to the first quarter of 2045. This represents a significant extension from previous forecasts that predicted exhaustion as early as 2025, then 2033, and most recently 2036. The Maine Public Utilities Commission credits active conservation strategies for this achievement.
Practical Usage
Area code 207 serves approximately 1.4 million residents across that state. The code supports the state’s diverse economy, including tourism, commercial fishing, forestry, agriculture, and emerging technology sectors.
All calls within Maine require 10-digit dialing, meaning you must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number even for local calls. This requirement has been in place for years and applies to both landline and mobile phones.
Beyond its practical function, area code 207 has become a cultural icon in this state. You’ll find “207” on merchandise ranging from t-shirts and coffee mugs to business names and media brands. The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein holds a federal trademark for “207-Call-Joe,” while News Center Maine broadcasts a popular show simply called “207.”
Special Case: Estcourt Station
One tiny exception exists to Maine’s 207 coverage. Estcourt Station, a small hamlet in the northernmost part of the state along the Canadian border, uses Quebec area codes 418, 581, and 367. This village has its telephone routing infrastructure connected to Canada rather than the U.S. system, making it a unique telecommunications anomaly. For all practical purposes, the rest of Maine exclusively uses area code 207.
Understanding Time Zones in Maine
The state operates entirely within the Eastern Time Zone, one of the most straightforward timezone situations in the United States. The entire state follows the same time, from Kittery in the south to Fort Kent in the north.
During standard time (roughly November through March), Maine uses Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC-5. When daylight saving time begins in March, the state switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4. Maine observes daylight saving time along with most other U.S. states.
When scheduling calls or meetings with people in Maine, remember that the state is three hours ahead of Pacific Time, two hours ahead of Mountain Time, one hour ahead of Central Time, and on the same schedule as major Eastern cities like New York, Boston, and Atlanta.
Maine's Major Cities and Area Code 207
Here are Maine’s largest cities, all served by 207:
Portland
Maine’s largest city with approximately 68,000 residents, Portland serves as the state’s economic and cultural hub. The city is known for its historic Old Port district, thriving restaurant scene, and busy commercial port.
Lewiston
With about 37,000 residents, Lewiston anchors the state’s second-largest metropolitan area along with its twin city, Auburn. The city has a rich Franco-American heritage and growing immigrant communities.
Bangor
Home to roughly 32,000 people, Bangor serves as the commercial center for northern and eastern Maine. The city is known as the birthplace of author Stephen King and hosts the University of Maine nearby.
South Portland
This city of approximately 26,000 residents sits just across the harbor from Portland and includes busy commercial areas and the state’s largest mall.
Auburn
Part of the Lewiston-Auburn metro area, this city of about 24,000 residents features a mix of residential neighborhoods and retail districts.
Biddeford
With around 22,000 residents, Biddeford is part of the Portland metro area and has undergone significant downtown revitalization in recent years.
Augusta
Maine’s capital city has approximately 18,000 residents despite its status as the seat of state government.
Saco
This city, with about 20,000 residents, is a neighbor of Biddeford and features beaches, shopping centers, and residential areas.
Westbrook
Located next to Portland, Westbrook has roughly 19,000 residents and a mix of residential and commercial development.
Waterville
Home to about 17,000 people, Waterville hosts Colby College and serves as a regional center for central Maine.
How to Use Area Code 207
Dialing within Maine requires 10 digits for all calls, even local ones. To call a Maine number from within the state, dial (207) followed by the seven-digit phone number: (207) XXX-XXXX.
When calling Maine from elsewhere in the United States, dial 1 before the area code: 1-(207) XXX-XXXX. The “1” indicates a long-distance call within the North American Numbering Plan.
For international callers dialing Maine, use the international format: +1-207-XXX-XXXX. The “+1” represents the country code for the United States and Canada.
Both mobile phones and landlines in Maine use area code 207. There is no distinction between cell phone numbers and landline numbers based on the area code. When switching carriers or moving within the state, residents can typically keep their existing 207 numbers through number portability regulations.
The Future of Maine's 207 Area Code
Important Update: Maine’s iconic 207 area code has been extended to at least 2045, giving the state nearly 20 more years before a second area code might become necessary.
The Maine Public Utilities Commission has worked diligently to preserve this code through several conservation strategies. These include regular engagement with telecommunications carriers to prevent unnecessary hoarding of number blocks, implementing rate center consolidation, and promoting number pooling techniques that maximize existing resources.
NANPA attributes the extension to reduced historical and projected demand for new numbers. As of 2025, only about 38% of available telephone numbers in the 207 area code are currently in use.
If Maine eventually requires a second area code, telecommunications expert Lincoln Madison predicts it will likely be 258, with 383 and 673 as other possibilities. However, that decision remains years away.
The preservation of area code 207 matters beyond mere convenience. The code has become deeply embedded in Maine’s identity, appearing in business names, marketing campaigns, and cultural references. Many businesses have built their brands around the 207 designation, making its preservation economically valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does Maine have?
Maine has only 1 area code serving the state. Area code 207 covers the entire state and has done so since 1947. Maine is one of just 11 states that still operate with a single area code.
What time zone is Maine in?
Maine is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone. The state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) during the winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) from March through November. The entire state follows the same time.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Maine?
Yes, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls in Maine, even local ones. You must dial (207) followed by the seven-digit phone number, regardless of whether you’re calling across the street or across the state.
What is the history of area code 207?
Area code 207 was created in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes in the North American Numbering Plan. AT&T and the Bell System established it to enable direct distance dialing across the country. The code has served Maine continuously for over 75 years without splits or overlays.
When will Maine get a new area code?
Based on current projections from NANPA released in April 2025, Maine won’t need a new code until at least 2045. Conservation efforts by the Maine Public Utilities Commission have successfully extended the life of area code 207 multiple times.
Why is 207 so iconic in Maine?
Area code 207 has become a cultural symbol of Maine identity. The code appears on merchandise, in business names, and as a point of pride for residents. Its simplicity and uniqueness (Maine being one of the few single-area-code states) have made it a recognizable brand associated with the state.
Does all of Maine use area code 207?
Nearly all of Maine uses area code 207. The only exception is Estcourt Station, a tiny hamlet on the Canadian border that uses Quebec area codes (418/581/367) because its telephone infrastructure connects through Canada.
What about Estcourt Station?
Estcourt Station is Maine’s northernmost community, located right on the Canada-U.S. border. Due to its geographic isolation and routing through Canadian telephone infrastructure, it uses Quebec area codes rather than 207. This affects only a handful of residents.
How do I dial a Maine number from outside the state?
From elsewhere in the U.S., dial 1-(207) XXX-XXXX. From international locations, dial +1-207-XXX-XXXX, where +1 is the country code for the United States.
Will Maine ever split area code 207?
While it’s possible in the distant future, current projections show area code 207 lasting until 2045 or beyond. If a split or overlay eventually occurs, the most likely new code would be 258, according to telecommunications experts, though this remains speculative.
What is the Maine Public Utilities Commission's role?
The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) oversees telephone numbering resources in the state, working with carriers and NANPA to manage area code 207 efficiently. The commission implements conservation strategies to extend the life of the area code and coordinates any future area code changes.
How are phone numbers being conserved in Maine?
Conservation strategies include reclaiming unused number blocks from carriers, implementing number pooling to distribute numbers more efficiently, consolidating rate centers to reduce waste, and monitoring carrier requests for new numbers. These efforts have successfully extended area code 207’s projected life by decades.
Additional Resources
For official information about Maine’s area code, visit the Maine Public Utilities Commission website, which provides updates on numbering resources and conservation efforts.
The North American Numbering Plan Administration maintains the official database of all area codes and can provide technical details about area code 207.
For specific questions about individual cities in that state, explore our city-specific area code pages. Use online time zone converters to coordinate calls across different time zones when contacting Maine from other regions.