Virginia · Eastern Time
804 Area Code
Area code 804 is in Virginia, serving Richmond and surrounding central and eastern Virginia, including Petersburg and the Northern Neck. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 686, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 804 area code?
804 is a Virginia area code covering Richmond and surrounding central and eastern Virginia, including Petersburg and the Northern Neck. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 804 area code
- Richmond
- Petersburg
- Mechanicsville
- Colonial Heights
- Hopewell
- Glen Allen
- Chester
- Midlothian
- Ashland
- Short Pump
- Powhatan
- Tappahannock
- Kilmarnock
Counties served by 804
Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Powhatan County, Goochland County, Prince George County, Dinwiddie County, Amelia County, Northumberland County and Essex County.
804 overlay codes and dialing
The 804 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 686, 804. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 804. 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 804 area code
804 went into service on June 24, 1973. It serves Richmond and the surrounding part of Virginia, and today shares its territory with overlay code 686. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 804 a scam or spam risk?
804 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 804 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Richmond, 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 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
804 area code FAQ
Where is the 804 area code?
The 804 area code is in Virginia, covering Richmond and surrounding central and eastern Virginia, including Petersburg and the Northern Neck, in the South region.
What cities are in the 804 area code?
Cities in the 804 area code include Richmond, Petersburg, Mechanicsville, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Glen Allen, Chester, Midlothian, Ashland and Short Pump.
What time zone is 804 in?
804 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 804 area code?
804 shares its territory with 686. Both codes (686, 804) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 804 area code start?
804 went into service on June 24, 1973.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 804?
Yes. Because 804 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 804 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 804 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.