The brand new 771 area code now sits alongside Washington’s iconic 202, ensuring the District never runs short of phone numbers. Because D.C. already moved to overlays, ten digit (or 1 + ten digit) dialing is now required for every local call. Here’s the quick rundown.
New 771 Overlay
Approved in 2020 and activated in 2021, 771 was layered on top of 202 rather than carving the city into zones. Your existing 202 number stays exactly the same; only new lines may receive 771. Since both codes serve one map, every call inside the District must include the area code plus the seven digit number.
771 / 202 Coverage Area
If the address is inside the District line from Chevy Chase and Georgetown through Downtown to Anacostia phone numbers fall within the 202 / 771 overlay complex. The overlay covers all eight wards of Washington, DC with no geographic split.
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 began October 9 2021.
Key Dates for the 771 Roll Out
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 10 2021 | Permissive 7 /10 digit dialing period begins (both worked) |
| October 9 2021 | Mandatory 10 /11 digit dialing for all local calls |
| November 9 2021 | First 771 numbers begin assignment to new service |
What Stays the Same
- Your current 202 number does not change.
- Local calling areas and pricing remain identical 771 carries no extra fees.
- Three digit services (911, 311, etc.) still dial with three digits.
- Long distance rules and toll rates remain unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why add 771 instead of splitting the map?
An overlay avoids the cost and disruption of forcing residents and businesses to change long standing numbers.
Will caller ID look odd with 771?
No 771 simply signals a newer assignment within the same Washington footprint.
Do mobile users have to dial “1”?
Most carriers complete calls with either ten or eleven digits; landlines generally need the leading “1.”
Does the overlay raise call charges?
No. Rate center boundaries and tariffs stay exactly the same.
