New Jersey · Eastern Time
862 Area Code
Area code 862 is in New Jersey, serving northern New Jersey: Essex, Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 973, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 862 area code?
862 is a New Jersey area code covering northern New Jersey: Essex, Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 862 area code
- Newark
- Paterson
- Clifton
- Passaic
- East Orange
- Bloomfield
- Irvington
- West Orange
- Wayne
- Montclair
- Parsippany
- Livingston
- Nutley
- Morristown
Counties served by 862
Essex County, Passaic County, Morris County and Sussex County.
862 overlay codes and dialing
The 862 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 862, 973. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 973. 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 862 area code
862 went into service on December 29, 2001 as an overlay of 973, relieving number exhaustion in the Newark 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 862 a scam or spam risk?
862 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 862 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Newark, NJ or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other New Jersey area codes
Explore more
See every code in New Jersey, compare codes across the Northeast 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
862 area code FAQ
Where is the 862 area code?
The 862 area code is in New Jersey, covering northern New Jersey: Essex, Passaic, Morris and Sussex counties, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 862 area code?
Cities in the 862 area code include Newark, Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, East Orange, Bloomfield, Irvington, West Orange, Wayne and Montclair.
What time zone is 862 in?
862 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 862 area code?
862 shares its territory with 973. Both codes (862, 973) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 862 area code start?
862 went into service on December 29, 2001 as an overlay of 973.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 862?
Yes. Because 862 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 862 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 862 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.