Alabama · Central Time
205 Area Code
Area code 205 is in Alabama, serving Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties in west-central Alabama. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 659, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 205 area code?
205 is a Alabama area code covering Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties in west-central Alabama. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 205 area code
- Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Vestavia Hills
- Bessemer
- Homewood
- Alabaster
- Pelham
- Mountain Brook
- Northport
- Trussville
- Jasper
- Pell City
- Gardendale
Counties served by 205
Jefferson County, Shelby County, Tuscaloosa County, Walker County, St. Clair County, Blount County, Bibb County, Pickens County and Fayette County.
205 overlay codes and dialing
The 205 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 205, 659. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 205. 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 205 area code
205 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 Birmingham area ever since, with 659 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 205 a scam or spam risk?
205 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 205 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Birmingham, AL or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Alabama area codes
Explore more
See every code in Alabama, compare codes across the South region, or view all Central 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
205 area code FAQ
Where is the 205 area code?
The 205 area code is in Alabama, covering Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties in west-central Alabama, in the South region.
What cities are in the 205 area code?
Cities in the 205 area code include Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Homewood, Alabaster, Pelham, Mountain Brook and Northport.
What time zone is 205 in?
205 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 205 area code?
205 shares its territory with 659. Both codes (205, 659) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 205 area code start?
205 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 205?
Yes. Because 205 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 205 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 205 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.