West Virginia has 2 active area codes serving the entire state across all 55 counties. The entire state operates in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT, UTC-5/-4). Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, plan business communications, schedule meetings across time zones, or understand West Virginia’s unique statewide dialing system, this guide provides complete and current information about every West Virginia area code.
Key Takeaways:
- West Virginia uses only 2 area codes (304 and 681) for the entire state
- Area code 304 is one of the original 86 codes established in 1947
- Area code 681 was added in 2009 as a statewide overlay, not a geographic split
- All of West Virginia is in the Eastern Time Zone with no regional variations
- 10-digit dialing is mandatory statewide for all calls, including local calls
- West Virginia was the first state to implement a statewide overlay system
- No additional codes are projected through 2026 and beyond
West Virginia Area Codes
| Codes | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Martinsburg, Beckley (Entire State) | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Original | 1947 |
| 681 | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Martinsburg, Beckley (Entire State) | Eastern (EST/EDT) | Overlay | 2009 |
Area Code 304: West Virginia’s Original Code
Area code 304 was established in October 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan. It was one of just 86 area codes created when AT&T and the Bell System first implemented direct distance dialing across North America. The middle digit “0” in 304 indicated it covered an entire state, a designation system used until 1953.
Statewide Geographic Coverage
Area code 304 serves all 55 counties in the state, from the Eastern Panhandle to the Ohio River Valley. The code covers approximately 24,230 square miles and serves roughly 1.8 million residents. Unlike most states that have been divided into multiple geographic regions, West Virginia’s relatively low population density allowed it to maintain a single area code for over 60 years.
Major Cities and Communities
304 serves every municipality in the state, including all major cities and regional centers. Charleston (the state capital), Huntington (home to Marshall University), Morgantown (home to West Virginia University), Parkersburg, Wheeling, Martinsburg, Beckley, Clarksburg, Fairmont, and Weirton all use 304. The code also covers smaller communities throughout Appalachia and the state’s rural regions.
Economic and Cultural Importance
The 304 area code is deeply embedded in West Virginia’s identity. Major institutions using this code include West Virginia University, Marshall University, the state government in Charleston, CAMC Health System, and thousands of small businesses across the coalfields, chemical valley, and agricultural regions. Industries served include energy production, healthcare, education, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.
Area Code 681: Overlay Code
Area code 681 was introduced on March 28, 2009, as an overlay to 304. It became the first entire state to implement an overlay plan rather than splitting into geographic regions. The West Virginia Public Service Commission initially voted for a geographic split in January 2008, but reversed course after strong public opposition, approving the overlay option in February 2008.
Coverage and Cities
681 covers exactly the same geographic territory as 304, serving all 55 counties and every city in West Virginia. This means both Charleston and Huntington, Morgantown and Martinsburg, Parkersburg and Wheeling all have phone numbers beginning with both 304 and 681. New phone numbers can be assigned either area code, regardless of location within the state.
Why the Overlay Was Needed
By the mid-2000s, the proliferation of cell phones, fax machines, pagers, and internet-connected devices created demand that exhausted available 304 numbers. Rather than forcing half the state to change phone numbers through a geographic split, officials chose the overlay approach. This decision spared residents and businesses the expense and disruption of changing established phone numbers.
Nearly two decades later, this decision continues to serve West Virginia well, with sufficient numbers available under both codes.
Current Usage and Assignment
Today, telecommunications providers assign new phone numbers using either 304 or 681 based on availability. Businesses can request specific area codes for marketing purposes, but both codes carry equal weight. There’s no geographic or demographic difference between the two codes; they simply represent different eras of West Virginia’s telecommunications history.
Understanding Time Zones in West Virginia
The entire state observes Eastern Time, making scheduling and communication straightforward across the state. Unlike neighboring states such as Kentucky and Indiana, which span multiple time zones, West Virginia has no regional time variations. This simplifies business operations and personal calls throughout the state.
UTC Offset and DST
West Virginia operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months, which is UTC-5. When Daylight Saving Time takes effect in March, the state shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4. This runs through early November, following the standard US schedule of “spring forward, fall back.”
Scheduling Across Time Zones
For business calls or meetings with people outside West Virginia, remember that Eastern Time is 1 hour ahead of Central Time, 2 hours ahead of Mountain Time, and 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time. When calling from West Virginia to the West Coast, a 9 AM call in Charleston means the recipient receives it at 6 AM in Los Angeles.
West Virginia Cities and Their Area Codes
All the state cities use both 304 and 681 area codes. Here are the largest cities by population:
- Charleston (304/681) – State capital, population ~46,000, serves as a government and healthcare center
- Huntington (304/681) – Population ~45,000, home to Marshall University, Ohio River commerce hub
- Morgantown (304/681) – Population ~30,000, home to West Virginia University, tech, and biomedical research
- Parkersburg (304/681) – Population ~29,000, manufacturing and chemical industry center
- Wheeling (304/681) – Population ~26,000, historic steel town, northern panhandle commerce
- Weirton (304/681) – Population ~18,000, northern panhandle, formerly a major steel production
- Fairmont (304/681) – Population ~18,000, coal mining history, Marion County seat
- Martinsburg (304/681) – Population ~17,000, Eastern Panhandle, growing commuter city
- Beckley (304/681) – Population ~16,000, southern coalfields, tourism, and retail hub
- Clarksburg (304/681) – Population ~15,000, north-central region, FBI Criminal Justice Center
- South Charleston (304/681) – Population ~12,000, chemical manufacturing, adjacent to Charleston
- St. Albans (304/681) – Population ~10,000, Kanawha Valley, residential community
- Vienna (304/681) – Population ~10,000, near Parkersburg, commercial development
- Bluefield (304/681) – Population ~9,000, southern border city, coal heritage
- Moundsville (304/681) – Population ~8,000, Ohio River town, historic state penitentiary
How to Use Area Codes in West Virginia
Local Calling Requirements
10-Digit dialing is required for all calls, including local calls within the same city. You must dial the area code (304 or 681) plus the seven-digit phone number for every call. This requirement took effect on February 28, 2009, when 681 was implemented. Seven-digit dialing no longer works anywhere in the state. Unlike California, New York City, Chicago, or the Illinois area code 708, West Virginia does not require dialing “1” before the area code for local calls on landlines.
Calling Within the State
To call anyone within West Virginia, dial: area code (304 or 681) + seven-digit number. For example, to call Charleston from Morgantown, dial 304-555-1234 or 681-555-1234. You do not need to dial “1” before the area code for in-state calls. Most phones will complete the call whether you include “1” or not, but it’s not required in West Virginia.
Calling from Outside
When calling West Virginia from another state, dial: 1 + area code + seven-digit number. Example: 1-304-555-1234. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your phone plan, though most modern mobile plans include unlimited nationwide calling.
International Dialing Format
To call West Virginia from outside the United States, dial: your country’s exit code + 1 (US country code) + area code + seven-digit number. From the UK, for example: 011-1-304-555-1234. From most of Europe: 00-1-304-555-1234.
Mobile and Landline Considerations
Both mobile and landline phones in the state use the same 304 and 681 codes. Number portability rules allow you to keep your phone number when switching between carriers or between landline and mobile service. The area code doesn’t indicate whether a number is mobile or landline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does West Virginia have?
West Virginia has 2 area codes: 304 and 681.
What is the difference between 304 and 681 area codes?
There is no geographic difference between 304 and 681. Both codes cover the entire state of West Virginia. The 304 code was established first in 1947, while 681 was added in 2009 when available phone numbers began running low. New numbers can be assigned with either code, regardless of where you live in West Virginia.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in West Virginia?
Yes, 10-digit dialing is mandatory throughout West Virginia. You must dial the code (304 or 681) plus the seven-digit phone number for all calls, including local calls within the same city. This requirement has been in effect since February 28, 2009. Seven-digit dialing no longer works anywhere in the state.
When was the 681 area code added to West Virginia?
The 681 area code was officially implemented on March 28, 2009. The West Virginia Public Service Commission approved the overlay plan in February 2008 after initially voting for a geographic split. A transition period allowed permissive 10-digit dialing starting in July 2008, with mandatory 10-digit dialing beginning February 28, 2009.
Will West Virginia get more area codes in the future?
West Virginia is not projected to need additional area codes through at least 2030. The state’s stable population and the availability of numbers under both 304 and 681 mean the current two-code system should suffice for many years. As of 2026, there are no plans or proposals for additional West Virginia area codes.