California · Pacific Time
209 Area Code
The 209 area code is a telephone area code in California, covering Stockton and the surrounding area. It lies in the Pacific Time zone.
Last updated June 5, 2026
Where is the 209 area code?
209 serves Stockton and nearby communities in California. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Dialing 209
Stockton is currently served by the single area code 209. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
History of the 209 area code
209 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 Stockton area ever since.
Is 209 a scam or spam risk?
209 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 209 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is local or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other California area codes
Explore more
See every code in California, compare codes across the West region, or view all Pacific 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
209 area code FAQ
Where is the 209 area code?
The 209 area code is in California, serving Stockton and the surrounding area in the West region.
What time zone is 209 in?
209 is in the Pacific Time zone.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 209?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 209 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 209 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.