Idaho · Mountain Time
208 Area Code
Area code 208 is in Idaho, serving the entire state of Idaho. It is in the Mountain Time zone (part of its territory observes Pacific Time). It shares its territory with overlay code 986, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 208 area code?
208 is a Idaho area code covering the entire state of Idaho. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 208 area code
- Boise
- Meridian
- Nampa
- Idaho Falls
- Pocatello
- Caldwell
- Coeur d'Alene
- Twin Falls
- Post Falls
- Lewiston
- Rexburg
- Eagle
- Moscow
Counties served by 208
Ada County, Canyon County, Kootenai County, Bonneville County, Bannock County, Twin Falls County, Bingham County, Madison County, Nez Perce County and Latah County.
Time zone note: Southern Idaho (Boise) is Mountain; the Panhandle north of the Salmon River is Pacific.
208 overlay codes and dialing
The 208 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 208, 986. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 208. 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 208 area code
208 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 Boise area ever since, with 986 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 208 a scam or spam risk?
208 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 208 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Boise, ID or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Explore more
See every code in Idaho, compare codes across the West region, or view all Mountain 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
208 area code FAQ
Where is the 208 area code?
The 208 area code is in Idaho, covering the entire state of Idaho, in the West region.
What cities are in the 208 area code?
Cities in the 208 area code include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, Post Falls and Lewiston.
What time zone is 208 in?
208 is in the Mountain Time zone. Southern Idaho (Boise) is Mountain; the Panhandle north of the Salmon River is Pacific.
What is the overlay for the 208 area code?
208 shares its territory with 986. Both codes (208, 986) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 208 area code start?
208 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 208?
Yes. Because 208 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 208 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 208 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.