South Carolina · Eastern Time
803 Area Code
Area code 803 is in South Carolina, serving central South Carolina, including Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter and Aiken. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 839, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 803 area code?
803 is a South Carolina area code covering central South Carolina, including Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter and Aiken. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 803 area code
- Columbia
- Rock Hill
- Sumter
- Aiken
- Lexington
- Fort Mill
- Orangeburg
- North Augusta
- West Columbia
- Cayce
- Camden
- Lancaster
- Newberry
- York
Counties served by 803
Richland County, Lexington County, York County, Aiken County, Sumter County, Orangeburg County, Kershaw County, Lancaster County, Chester County and Newberry County.
803 overlay codes and dialing
The 803 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 803, 839. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 803. 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 803 area code
803 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 Columbia area ever since, with 839 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 803 a scam or spam risk?
803 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 803 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Columbia, SC or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other South Carolina area codes
Explore more
See every code in South Carolina, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 8XX 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
803 area code FAQ
Where is the 803 area code?
The 803 area code is in South Carolina, covering central South Carolina, including Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter and Aiken, in the South region.
What cities are in the 803 area code?
Cities in the 803 area code include Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter, Aiken, Lexington, Fort Mill, Orangeburg, North Augusta, West Columbia and Cayce.
What time zone is 803 in?
803 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 803 area code?
803 shares its territory with 839. Both codes (803, 839) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 803 area code start?
803 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 803?
Yes. Because 803 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 803 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 803 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.