Virginia · Eastern Time
540 Area Code
Area code 540 is in Virginia, serving western and northern Virginia outside the DC suburbs, including Roanoke, Fredericksburg and the Shenandoah Valley. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 826, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 540 area code?
540 is a Virginia area code covering western and northern Virginia outside the DC suburbs, including Roanoke, Fredericksburg and the Shenandoah Valley. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 540 area code
- Roanoke
- Fredericksburg
- Harrisonburg
- Blacksburg
- Winchester
- Christiansburg
- Salem
- Staunton
- Waynesboro
- Front Royal
- Radford
- Culpeper
- Warrenton
- Lexington
Counties served by 540
Roanoke County, Montgomery County, Rockingham County, Frederick County, Augusta County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fauquier County, Shenandoah County and Culpeper County.
540 overlay codes and dialing
The 540 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 540, 826. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 540. 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 540 area code
540 went into service on July 15, 1995, created when it was split from 703. It serves Roanoke and the surrounding part of Virginia, and today shares its territory with overlay code 826. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 540 a scam or spam risk?
540 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 540 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Roanoke, VA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Virginia area codes
Explore more
See every code in Virginia, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 5XX 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
540 area code FAQ
Where is the 540 area code?
The 540 area code is in Virginia, covering western and northern Virginia outside the DC suburbs, including Roanoke, Fredericksburg and the Shenandoah Valley, in the South region.
What cities are in the 540 area code?
Cities in the 540 area code include Roanoke, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Blacksburg, Winchester, Christiansburg, Salem, Staunton, Waynesboro and Front Royal.
What time zone is 540 in?
540 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 540 area code?
540 shares its territory with 826. Both codes (540, 826) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 540 area code start?
540 went into service on July 15, 1995.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 540?
Yes. Because 540 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 540 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 540 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.