New Jersey · Eastern Time
973 Area Code
Area code 973 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 862, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 973 area code?
973 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 973 area code
- Newark
- Paterson
- Clifton
- Passaic
- East Orange
- Bloomfield
- Irvington
- West Orange
- Wayne
- Montclair
- Parsippany
- Livingston
- Nutley
- Morristown
Counties served by 973
Essex County, Passaic County, Morris County and Sussex County.
973 overlay codes and dialing
The 973 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 973 area code
973 went into service on June 1, 1997, created when it was split from 201. It serves Newark and the surrounding part of New Jersey, and today shares its territory with overlay code 862. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 973 a scam or spam risk?
973 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 973 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 9XX 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
973 area code FAQ
Where is the 973 area code?
The 973 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 973 area code?
Cities in the 973 area code include Newark, Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, East Orange, Bloomfield, Irvington, West Orange, Wayne and Montclair.
What time zone is 973 in?
973 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 973 area code?
973 shares its territory with 862. Both codes (862, 973) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 973 area code start?
973 went into service on June 1, 1997.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 973?
Yes. Because 973 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 973 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 973 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.