Alabama · Central Time
659 Area Code
Area code 659 is in Alabama, serving Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties in west-central Alabama. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 205, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 659 area code?
659 is a Alabama area code covering Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties in west-central Alabama. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 659 area code
- Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Vestavia Hills
- Bessemer
- Homewood
- Alabaster
- Pelham
- Mountain Brook
- Northport
- Trussville
- Jasper
- Pell City
- Gardendale
Counties served by 659
Jefferson County, Shelby County, Tuscaloosa County, Walker County, St. Clair County, Blount County, Bibb County, Pickens County and Fayette County.
659 overlay codes and dialing
The 659 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 205, 659. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 205. 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 659 area code
659 went into service on November 12, 2019 as an overlay of 205, relieving number exhaustion in the Birmingham 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 659 a scam or spam risk?
659 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 659 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Birmingham, AL or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Alabama area codes
Explore more
See every code in Alabama, compare codes across the South region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 6XX 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
659 area code FAQ
Where is the 659 area code?
The 659 area code is in Alabama, covering Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties in west-central Alabama, in the South region.
What cities are in the 659 area code?
Cities in the 659 area code include Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Homewood, Alabaster, Pelham, Mountain Brook and Northport.
What time zone is 659 in?
659 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 659 area code?
659 shares its territory with 205. Both codes (205, 659) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 659 area code start?
659 went into service on November 12, 2019 as an overlay of 205.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 659?
Yes. Because 659 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 659 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 659 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.