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US area code · District of Columbia

Area code 202

Where the 202 area code is, its overlay and how to dial a +1 202 number from anywhere.

CoversWashington, D.C., District of ColumbiaTime zoneEastern (ET)TypeOverlay
Quick answer

The 202 area code is in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (Eastern (ET)). To call from abroad: +1 202 555-0123. It is an overlay, so all 10 digits are dialled.

StateDistrict of Columbia
Main areaWashington, D.C.
Time zoneEastern (ET)
TypeOverlay
10-digit dialingRequired
In service since01-Jan-1947

The 202 area code is a geographic North American Numbering Plan (NANP) code covering Washington, D.C., District of Columbia. It has been in service since 01-Jan-1947 and sits in the Eastern (ET) time zone.

Overlay 202 shares its region

Several area codes cover the same geographic area, so two neighbours can have different codes. Because of the overlay, you must dial all 10 digits (area code + number) even for local calls.

202771

How to dial a 202 number

From abroad+1 202 555-0123
Within the US / Canada1 202 555-0123
Locally (same area)202 555-0123

Cities in the 202 area code

A 202 number is usually in one of these places in District of Columbia.

Washington

Other District of Columbia area codes

771

Frequently asked questions

Where is the 202 area code?

The 202 area code is in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (Eastern (ET)).

Is 202 an overlay area code?

Yes. 202 overlays the same region as 771, so callers dial all 10 digits.

Do I have to dial 10 digits for 202?

Yes — dial the area code plus the seven-digit number.

How do I call a 202 number from another country?

Dial your exit code (or +), then 1, then 202, then the number: +1 202 555-0123.

Source: NANPA numbering plan. An area code covers a region, not a precise address — a 202 number does not pinpoint a street or ZIP code.

Missed a call from +1 202?

In the 30 days to September 24, 2026, 1,025 unwanted calls showing a 202 number were reported to the US Federal Trade Commission, 44% of them recorded messages or robocalls. That puts 202 at #41 of 670 area codes reported.

Other382
Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends345
Dropped call or no message116
Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)72
Before you call back
  • If you do not know anyone in District of Columbia, do not call back: a genuine caller will leave a message or send a text.
  • Scammers fake the number shown on caller ID, so a 202 number can hide a caller anywhere in the world.
  • Never give a code received by text or a bank detail to an unknown caller. In the US, calls can be reported at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Who issues +1 202 numbers

Phone companies hold blocks of numbers in each area code. The main holders in 202:

Verizon Washington Dc, Inc. 329Cellco Partnership Dba Verizon Wireless 88Omnipoint Communications Cap Operations, LLC 55New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC 53Metropcs, Inc. 42Onvoy, LLC 34

About 17.6% of the 800 prefixes in use belong to mobile carriers: a 202 number is often a cell phone, and it may have moved to another carrier since.

Sources: FTC Do Not Call reported calls (numbers as reported by consumers, not verified), NANPA central office code assignments.

All US area codes United States +1 Map of area code 202 — cities & rate centres