The historic 214 area code one of Texas’ originals now shares Dallas Fort Worth with 972, 469, and the brand new 945 overlay. The extra code guarantees plenty of numbers but also makes ten digit dialing the rule for every local call. Use this quick guide to stay ahead of the change.
New 945 Area Code Overlay
Rather than carving the metroplex into smaller zones, the Public Utility Commission of Texas layered 945 on top of 214/972/469. Existing numbers do not change; new lines may receive 945 as of January 15 2021. Because four codes now cover one map, every caller must dial the area code plus the seven digit number for local calls.
214 Area Code Regions Affected
The overlay spans much of North Texas, including major portions of Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro, Rockwall, Johnson, and eastern Tarrant counties. Key cities:
- Dallas, Plano, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Arlington
- Frisco, Richardson, Carrollton, Lewisville, Mesquite, McKinney
Dialing Rules
Landlines: Dial 1 + area code + phone number (11 digits total).
Mobile phones: Dial area code + phone number (10 digits) or 1 + area code + number either works.
Seven digit dialing no longer completes a call.
Mandatory ten digit dialing has been in place since the first overlay arrived in 1999 and continues unchanged with 945.
Key Dates in the 214 Overlay Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| July 1 1999 | 469 overlay introduced; ten digit dialing becomes mandatory |
| January 15 2021 | 945 numbers start assigning to new service requests |
What Stays the Same
- Your existing 214 (or 972/469) number remains unchanged.
- Local calling areas and pricing are identical 945 carries no extra fees.
- Three digit services (911, 211, 311, etc.) still dial with three digits.
- Long distance rules and toll rates do not change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why add 945 instead of splitting the map?
Overlays prevent residents and businesses from changing long-standing numbers, preventing costly updates and confusion.
Will caller ID look strange to customers?
No. A 945 prefix simply indicates a newer assignment within the same Dallas Fort Worth footprint.
Do mobile users have to dial “1”?
Most wireless carriers complete calls with either ten or eleven digits; landlines generally need the leading “1.”
Does the overlay raise call charges?
No. The overlay does not alter rate center boundaries or tariffs; your plan stays exactly the same.
