California · Pacific Time
213 Area Code
Area code 213 is in California, serving downtown and central Los Angeles plus nearby southeast Los Angeles County cities. It is in the Pacific Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay codes 323 and 738, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 213 area code?
213 is a California area code covering downtown and central Los Angeles plus nearby southeast Los Angeles County cities. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 213 area code
- Los Angeles
- East Los Angeles
- South Gate
- Huntington Park
- Bell
- Bell Gardens
- Maywood
- Cudahy
- Commerce
- Montebello
- Vernon
Counties served by 213
Los Angeles County.
213 overlay codes and dialing
The 213 territory is covered by an overlay of 3 area codes: 213, 323, 738. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 213. 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 213 area code
213 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 Los Angeles area ever since, with 323 and 738 later added as overlays to supply more numbers.
Is 213 a scam or spam risk?
213 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 213 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Los Angeles, CA 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
213 area code FAQ
Where is the 213 area code?
The 213 area code is in California, covering downtown and central Los Angeles plus nearby southeast Los Angeles County cities, in the West region.
What cities are in the 213 area code?
Cities in the 213 area code include Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, South Gate, Huntington Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Maywood, Cudahy, Commerce and Montebello.
What time zone is 213 in?
213 is in the Pacific Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 213 area code?
213 shares its territory with 323 and 738. All 3 codes (213, 323, 738) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 213 area code start?
213 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 213?
Yes. Because 213 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 213 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 213 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.