202 Area Code: Washington, D.C. (all)
Updated: November 2026. Area code data: NANPA assignments via Simple Wikipedia and areacode.fyi, checked November 2026.
It covers the whole of Washington, D.C. The overlay 771 serves the same district.
| Area code | 202 |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, D.C. (all) |
| Time zone | Eastern Time |
| Type | Geographic |
| In service since | 1947 |
| Region | District of Columbia |
Where is 202?
Washington, D.C. (all). It covers the whole of Washington, D.C. The overlay 771 serves the same district.
Time zone
Area code 202 is in the Eastern Time zone. The best time to call is generally between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time. Use our best time to call tool to compare it with your own time.
History
202 is one of the original 1947 area codes and has always covered Washington, D.C. The overlay 771 was added in 2021.
How to dial 202
From the United States or Canada, dial 1 + 202 + the 7-digit number. From abroad, dial your international prefix, then 1 + 202 + the number — for example, +1 202 555 0132.
Is a call from 202 a scam?
Scammers can fake any area code, including 202. A number that looks local is not proof of who is calling. Never share passwords, verification codes or payment details with an unexpected caller; hang up and call the company back on a number from its official website. Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and forward spam texts to 7726.
Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov, forward spam texts to 7726, and register on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov.
Nearby area codes
FAQs
What city is area code 202?
Washington, D.C. (all).
What time zone is area code 202?
Eastern Time.
Is 202 a toll-free area code?
No. 202 is a regular geographic area code, so calls to it are charged at your normal rate.
How do I call a 202 number from abroad?
Dial your international prefix, then 1 + 202 + the 7-digit number — for example, +1 202 555 0132.
Should I call back an unknown 202 number?
Only if you are expecting the call. If you do not recognise the number, look the company up independently instead of calling back — scammers often hope a callback will connect you to a premium-rate or phishing line.
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