Maryland · Eastern Time
443 Area Code
Area code 443 is in Maryland, serving Baltimore metro and the rest of eastern Maryland, including the Eastern Shore. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay codes 410 and 667, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 443 area code?
443 is a Maryland area code covering Baltimore metro and the rest of eastern Maryland, including the Eastern Shore. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 443 area code
- Baltimore
- Columbia
- Glen Burnie
- Towson
- Ellicott City
- Dundalk
- Annapolis
- Salisbury
- Westminster
- Bel Air
- Aberdeen
- Elkton
- Easton
- Ocean City
Counties served by 443
Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Harford County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Wicomico County, Talbot County, Worcester County and Calvert County.
443 overlay codes and dialing
The 443 territory is covered by an overlay of 3 area codes: 410, 443, 667. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 410. 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 443 area code
443 went into service on June 1, 1997 as an overlay of 410, relieving number exhaustion in the Baltimore area. Rather than splitting the region, the overlay lets existing customers keep their numbers while new lines draw from the added code. Learn more in our overlay guide.
Is 443 a scam or spam risk?
443 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 443 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Baltimore, MD or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Explore more
See every code in Maryland, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 4XX 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
443 area code FAQ
Where is the 443 area code?
The 443 area code is in Maryland, covering Baltimore metro and the rest of eastern Maryland, including the Eastern Shore, in the South region.
What cities are in the 443 area code?
Cities in the 443 area code include Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, Towson, Ellicott City, Dundalk, Annapolis, Salisbury, Westminster and Bel Air.
What time zone is 443 in?
443 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 443 area code?
443 shares its territory with 410 and 667. All 3 codes (410, 443, 667) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 443 area code start?
443 went into service on June 1, 1997 as an overlay of 410.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 443?
Yes. Because 443 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 443 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 443 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.