Missouri · Central Time
816 Area Code
Area code 816 is in Missouri, serving Kansas City, Missouri and its suburbs, plus St. Joseph in northwest Missouri. It is in the Central Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 975, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 816 area code?
816 is a Missouri area code covering Kansas City, Missouri and its suburbs, plus St. Joseph in northwest Missouri. In the wider directory it sits in the Midwest region.
Cities in the 816 area code
- Kansas City
- Independence
- Lee's Summit
- St. Joseph
- Blue Springs
- Liberty
- Raytown
- Gladstone
- Grandview
- Belton
- Raymore
- Excelsior Springs
- Harrisonville
Counties served by 816
Jackson County, Clay County, Platte County, Cass County, Buchanan County, Ray County and Clinton County.
816 overlay codes and dialing
The 816 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 816, 975. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 816. 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 816 area code
816 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 Kansas City area ever since, with 975 later added as an overlay to supply more numbers.
Is 816 a scam or spam risk?
816 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 816 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Kansas City, MO or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Missouri area codes
Explore more
See every code in Missouri, compare codes across the Midwest region, or view all Central 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
816 area code FAQ
Where is the 816 area code?
The 816 area code is in Missouri, covering Kansas City, Missouri and its suburbs, plus St. Joseph in northwest Missouri, in the Midwest region.
What cities are in the 816 area code?
Cities in the 816 area code include Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, St. Joseph, Blue Springs, Liberty, Raytown, Gladstone, Grandview and Belton.
What time zone is 816 in?
816 is in the Central Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 816 area code?
816 shares its territory with 975. Both codes (816, 975) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 816 area code start?
816 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 816?
Yes. Because 816 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 816 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 816 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.