What area code is 202?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 202 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
202 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 202
Washington, D.C.10 communities on record for 202.
Where 202 sits on the map
Overlay: 771Coverage area
About the 202 region
202 covers Washington, D.C. in District of Columbia, including Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Adams Morgan and Navy Yard. The code has been in service since 1947 and is one of the original North American area codes.
As the Washington, D.C. region grew, 202 ran low on available numbers, so 771 was added as an overlay code over the same geographic area. Both codes are local to each other and 10-digit dialing applies throughout.
2021: overlaid by 771.
Who called me from 202?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 202 does not prove the caller is really in the 202 region or even in the United States.
- Avoid calling back unknown one-ring numbers — some premium-rate scams rely on curiosity callbacks.
- Never share verification codes, payment details, or remote access during an unsolicited call, even if the caller claims to be your bank or a government agency.
- When a 202 call pressures you to act immediately, hang up and contact the organization directly through its official number.
Be the first to add a community report for a 202 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 202?+–
202 is the area code for the entire District of Columbia and one of the original 1947 North American codes. For more than seven decades it was the capital's only code, until the 771 overlay was added in 2021.
Where is area code 202 located?+–
It covers District of Columbia, including Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Adams Morgan and Navy Yard in District of Columbia.
What cities are in area code 202?+–
Major communities on record include Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Adams Morgan and Navy Yard, among others. The code's territory spans the Washington, D.C. region of District of Columbia.
What time zone is 202?+–
202 observes Eastern (ET), which is UTC−5 / −4 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 202 start?+–
202 entered service in 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes. Its history: 2021: overlaid by 771.
Why do calls to 202 require 10-digit dialing?+–
202 shares its territory with overlay code 771. Because both codes serve the same geographic area, the phone network needs all 10 digits to route a call, and calls between the codes are still local.
Is 202 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 202 included — caller ID is easy to spoof, so the code alone does not tell you who is really calling. Check the community reports on this page before calling back an unknown 202 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 202 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 202 number regardless of where you physically live.