Idaho · Mountain Time
986 Area Code
Area code 986 is in Idaho, serving the entire state of Idaho. It is in the Mountain Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 208, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 986 area code?
986 is a Idaho area code covering the entire state of Idaho. In the wider directory it sits in the West region.
Cities in the 986 area code
- Boise
- Meridian
- Nampa
- Idaho Falls
- Pocatello
- Caldwell
- Coeur d'Alene
- Twin Falls
- Post Falls
- Lewiston
- Rexburg
- Eagle
- Moscow
Counties served by 986
Ada County, Canyon County, Kootenai County, Bonneville County, Bannock County, Twin Falls County, Bingham County, Madison County, Nez Perce County and Latah County.
Time zone note: Southern Idaho (Boise) is Mountain; the Panhandle north of the Salmon River is Pacific.
986 overlay codes and dialing
The 986 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 208, 986. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 208. 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 986 area code
986 went into service on September 5, 2017 as an overlay of 208, relieving number exhaustion in the Boise 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 986 a scam or spam risk?
986 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 986 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Boise, ID or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Explore more
See every code in Idaho, compare codes across the West region, or view all Mountain 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
986 area code FAQ
Where is the 986 area code?
The 986 area code is in Idaho, covering the entire state of Idaho, in the West region.
What cities are in the 986 area code?
Cities in the 986 area code include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, Post Falls and Lewiston.
What time zone is 986 in?
986 is in the Mountain Time zone. Southern Idaho (Boise) is Mountain; the Panhandle north of the Salmon River is Pacific.
What is the overlay for the 986 area code?
986 shares its territory with 208. Both codes (208, 986) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 986 area code start?
986 went into service on September 5, 2017 as an overlay of 208.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 986?
Yes. Because 986 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 986 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 986 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.