Illinois · Central Time
217 Area Code
Area code 217 is in Illinois, serving central Illinois including Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur and Quincy. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 447, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 217 area code?
217 is a Illinois area code covering central Illinois including Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur and Quincy. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 217 area code
- Springfield
- Champaign
- Decatur
- Urbana
- Quincy
- Danville
- Charleston
- Mattoon
- Jacksonville
- Effingham
- Taylorville
- Lincoln
Counties served by 217
Sangamon County, Champaign County, Macon County, Adams County, Vermilion County, Coles County, Morgan County, Effingham County, Christian County and Logan County.
217 overlay codes and dialing
The 217 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 217, 447. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 217. 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 217 area code
217 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 Springfield area ever since, with 447 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 217 a scam or spam risk?
217 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 217 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Springfield, IL or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Illinois area codes
Explore more
See every code in Illinois, compare codes across the Midwest 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
217 area code FAQ
Where is the 217 area code?
The 217 area code is in Illinois, covering central Illinois including Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur and Quincy, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 217 area code?
Cities in the 217 area code include Springfield, Champaign, Decatur, Urbana, Quincy, Danville, Charleston, Mattoon, Jacksonville and Effingham.
What time zone is 217 in?
217 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 217 area code?
217 shares its territory with 447. Both codes (217, 447) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 217 area code start?
217 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 217?
Yes. Because 217 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 217 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 217 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.