California · Pacific Time
805 Area Code
Area code 805 is in California, serving California Central Coast: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. It is in the Pacific Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 820, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 805 area code?
805 is a California area code covering California Central Coast: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 805 area code
- Oxnard
- Thousand Oaks
- Simi Valley
- Ventura
- Santa Maria
- Camarillo
- Santa Barbara
- San Luis Obispo
- Moorpark
- Lompoc
- Goleta
- Paso Robles
- Atascadero
Counties served by 805
Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.
805 overlay codes and dialing
The 805 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 805, 820. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 805. 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 805 area code
805 went into service on January 1, 1957, created when it was split from 213. It serves Oxnard and the surrounding part of California, and today shares its territory with overlay code 820. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 805 a scam or spam risk?
805 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 805 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Oxnard, CA or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other California area codes
Explore more
See every code in California, compare codes across the West region, or view all Pacific 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
805 area code FAQ
Where is the 805 area code?
The 805 area code is in California, covering California Central Coast: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, in the West region.
What cities are in the 805 area code?
Cities in the 805 area code include Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Santa Maria, Camarillo, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Moorpark and Lompoc.
What time zone is 805 in?
805 is in the Pacific Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 805 area code?
805 shares its territory with 820. Both codes (805, 820) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 805 area code start?
805 went into service on January 1, 1957.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 805?
Yes. Because 805 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 805 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 805 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.