District of Columbia · Eastern Time
202 Area Code
Area code 202 is in District of Columbia, serving the entire District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.). It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 771, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 202 area code?
202 is a District of Columbia area code covering the entire District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.). In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 202 area code
202 overlay codes and dialing
The 202 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 202, 771. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 202. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 202 area code
202 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, when AT&T and Bell Laboratories created the North American Numbering Plan and divided the country into the first 86 numbering plan areas. It has served the Washington area ever since, with 771 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 202 a scam or spam risk?
202 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 202 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Washington, DC or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Explore more
See every code in District of Columbia, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 2XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
202 area code FAQ
Where is the 202 area code?
The 202 area code is in District of Columbia, covering the entire District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.), in the South region.
What cities are in the 202 area code?
Cities in the 202 area code include Washington.
What time zone is 202 in?
202 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 202 area code?
202 shares its territory with 771. Both codes (202, 771) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 202 area code start?
202 went into service on January 1, 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 202?
Yes. Because 202 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 202 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 202 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.