What area code is 205?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 205 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
205 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 205
BirminghamShowing 12 of 76 recorded communities — major cities first.
Where 205 sits on the map
Overlay: 659Coverage area
About the 205 region
205 covers Birmingham in Alabama, including Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Choctaw and Etowah. The code has been in service since 1947 and is one of the original North American area codes.
As the Birmingham region grew, 205 ran low on available numbers, so 659 was added as an overlay code over the same geographic area. Both codes are local to each other and 10-digit dialing applies throughout.
Created for all of Alabama; 1995: split to create 334; 1998: split to create 256; 2019: overlaid by 659.
Who called me from 205?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 205 does not prove the caller is really in the 205 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 205 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 205 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 205?+–
205 is a telephone area code serving Birmingham in Alabama, United States, in service since 1947.
Where is area code 205 located?+–
It covers Bibb County, Blount County, Chilton County and other counties, including Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Choctaw and Etowah in Alabama.
What cities are in area code 205?+–
Major communities on record include Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Choctaw and Etowah, among others. The code's territory spans the Birmingham region of Alabama.
What time zone is 205?+–
205 observes Central (CT), which is UTC−6 / −5 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 205 start?+–
205 entered service in 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes. Its history: created for all of Alabama; 1995: split to create 334; 1998: split to create 256; 2019: overlaid by 659.
Why do calls to 205 require 10-digit dialing?+–
205 shares its territory with overlay code 659. 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 205 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 205 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 205 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 205 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 205 number regardless of where you physically live.