Los Angeles County maintains one of the most complex telephone numbering systems in the United States. Due to its massive population density and the explosion of mobile devices, the region has transitioned from a single area code in 1947 to a sophisticated web of overlapping "overlay" codes today.

For residents and businesses, understanding which code belongs to which neighborhood is essential for local identity and logistics. As of late 2024, the introduction of the 738 area code has further expanded the options for central Los Angeles.

Quick Reference of Los Angeles Area Codes

The following table provides an immediate overview of the primary area codes currently active within Los Angeles County and their general geographic associations.

Area Codes Primary Regions Served Key Cities and Neighborhoods
213, 323, 738 Central Los Angeles Downtown LA, Hollywood, Koreatown, Eagle Rock
310, 424 Westside & South Bay Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Torrance, Malibu
818, 747 San Fernando Valley Burbank, Glendale, Northridge, Van Nuys
626 San Gabriel Valley Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia, West Covina
562 Southeast LA County Long Beach, Whittier, Downey, Bellflower
661 Northern LA County Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Palmdale

Central Los Angeles Area Codes (213, 323, and 738)

The heart of the city is served by an overlay complex consisting of 213, 323, and the newly minted 738. These codes cover the most densely populated urban centers, ranging from the skyscrapers of the Financial District to the historic studios of Hollywood.

The Historic Legacy of 213

Area code 213 is one of the original 86 area codes established in October 1947. At its inception, it served the entire southern half of California. Over decades of growth, it was repeatedly split until, by 1998, it was restricted to only the immediate Downtown Los Angeles area and neighborhoods like Chinatown and Echo Park. Today, 213 remains a symbol of the city's "Old Guard" and is highly sought after by established businesses and long-term residents.

The Expansion of 323

In 1998, the 323 area code was created to relieve pressure on 213. It initially surrounded the 213 boundary, covering neighborhoods such as Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, and East Los Angeles. However, in 2017, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) eliminated the boundary between 213 and 323. This created an "overlay," meaning both codes now serve the exact same geographic footprint.

The Arrival of Area Code 738 in November 2024

The most recent development in Los Angeles telecommunications is the activation of the 738 area code on November 1, 2024. Because 213 and 323 were projected to run out of available numbers by mid-2025, 738 was added as a third layer. Residents requesting new phone lines in Central LA may now receive a 738 number, though existing 213 and 323 numbers remain unchanged.

Neighborhoods served by the 213/323/738 complex include:

  • Downtown Los Angeles (Fashion District, Arts District, Bunker Hill)
  • Hollywood and West Hollywood (portions)
  • Koreatown and Westlake
  • Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Los Feliz
  • Eagle Rock and Highland Park
  • South Los Angeles and Watts
  • Huntington Park, Bell, and Maywood

Westside and South Bay Area Codes (310 and 424)

The coastal regions and the affluent Westside are primarily served by the 310 and 424 area codes. This region includes some of the most recognizable zip codes in the world.

The Prestige of 310

Created in 1991 as a split from 213, the 310 area code quickly became associated with the entertainment industry and luxury real estate. It serves the coastal strip from Malibu down to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Because of its association with Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, 310 is often considered a "prestige" area code in pop culture.

The 424 Overlay

In 2006, the 424 area code was added as an overlay to the 310 region. This was a significant moment in LA history as it was the first time residents in this region were required to use 10-digit dialing for local calls. Any new business or resident in the Westside today is equally likely to be assigned a 424 number as a 310 number.

Key cities in the 310/424 service area:

  • Beverly Hills: Known globally for luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive.
  • Santa Monica: Famous for the Santa Monica Pier and beach lifestyle.
  • Culver City: A hub for major film and television production studios.
  • Torrance and Carson: Major industrial and residential centers in the South Bay.
  • Malibu: The northernmost coastal reach of this numbering plan.
  • Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.

San Fernando Valley Area Codes (818 and 747)

North of the Hollywood Hills lies the expansive San Fernando Valley, a region of over 1.8 million people served by the 818 and 747 area codes.

818: The Valley Identity

The 818 area code was introduced in 1984, splitting from 213. For decades, "the 818" has been a cultural shorthand for the Valley lifestyle. It covers the vast majority of the suburban sprawl that defines northern Los Angeles city limits.

747: Meeting Increasing Demand

As the Valley grew into a massive tech and residential hub, 818 numbers reached exhaustion. In 2009, the 747 overlay was implemented. Much like the 310/424 transition, this required Valley residents to adapt to 10-digit dialing.

Major neighborhoods and cities in the 818/747 region:

  • Burbank: Home to Disney, Warner Bros., and Nickelodeon.
  • Glendale: A major business district known for the Americana at Brand.
  • Van Nuys and Northridge: Residential and educational hearts of the Valley.
  • Sherman Oaks and Encino: Affluent neighborhoods along the Ventura Boulevard corridor.
  • Chatsworth and Woodland Hills.

San Gabriel Valley Area Code (626)

Moving east from Downtown LA, the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) is primarily served by the 626 area code. Unlike the regions mentioned above, 626 currently operates without an active overlay code, though it borders several other numbering plan areas.

The 626 Split

The 626 area code was carved out of the 818 region in 1997. It serves as the primary identifier for the diverse cities of the SGV, known for their rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.

Notable cities in the 626 area code:

  • Pasadena: Home of the Rose Bowl and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
  • Alhambra and Monterey Park: Centers of Asian-American culture and cuisine.
  • Arcadia: Home to the Santa Anita Park racetrack.
  • West Covina and El Monte: Large residential and commercial hubs in the eastern valley.

Southeast LA County and Long Beach (562)

The 562 area code serves the southeastern portion of Los Angeles County and a small part of Orange County. This region is anchored by Long Beach, the second-largest city in the county.

Transition from 310 to 562

Originally part of the 213 and later the 310 territory, the 562 area code was established in 1997. It covers a mix of industrial port zones and dense residential suburbs.

Cities served by the 562 area code:

  • Long Beach: A major maritime hub with one of the world's busiest ports.
  • Whittier and Downey: Historic residential communities.
  • Bellflower and Norwalk.
  • Lakewood: Known for being one of the first planned "contract cities" in the US.

Northern Los Angeles County (661)

The 661 area code covers the vast northern reaches of the county, including the high desert and the Santa Clarita Valley.

High Desert Expansion

Created in 1999 from a split of the 805 area code, 661 serves as the primary code for the rapidly growing commuter cities north of the San Fernando Valley. It covers a massive geographic area that extends even beyond LA County into parts of Kern and Tulare counties.

Regions served by 661:

  • Santa Clarita: Including the communities of Valencia, Saugus, and Newhall.
  • Lancaster and Palmdale: The primary cities of the Antelope Valley.
  • Bakersfield: While outside LA County, 661 is the primary code for this major Central Valley city.

Understanding the Overlay Concept in California

The reason Los Angeles has so many area codes for the same locations is the "overlay" system. Historically, when an area code ran out of numbers, the geographic region was "split." One half of the residents kept the old code, and the other half was forced to change their phone numbers to a new code.

Why Overlays Are Preferred

Splits were highly disruptive for businesses, requiring them to reprint all marketing materials and signage. Overlays solve this by simply adding a new code to the same geographic area. New customers get the new code, while old customers keep their existing numbers.

The 10-Digit Dialing Requirement

The primary trade-off of an overlay is the loss of 7-digit dialing. In any region with an overlay (like 213/323/738 or 310/424), users must dial the full 10-digit phone number (Area Code + Phone Number) even for local calls. In the United States, this is often preceded by the digit "1" for landlines, making it a 1+10-digit format.

Historical Evolution of the 213 Area Code Since 1947

The history of Los Angeles area codes is essentially a history of the region's population growth. In 1947, California had only three area codes: 213 (South), 415 (Central), and 916 (North).

  • 1951: Area code 714 was split from 213 to serve Orange County and San Diego.
  • 1957: Area code 805 was split from 213 to serve Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
  • 1984: The San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys were split off to form 818.
  • 1991: The Westside and South Bay were split off to form 310.
  • 1998: The final major split occurred when 323 was created from 213.

Since 1998, California regulators have moved exclusively toward overlays to minimize consumer frustration. The 738 code is the latest chapter in this nearly 80-year evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Area Codes

What area code is Beverly Hills?

Beverly Hills is primarily served by the 310 and 424 area codes. While 310 is the older, more traditional code, 424 is used for many newer residential and business lines in the city.

What is the newest area code in Los Angeles?

The 738 area code is the newest in Los Angeles. It was officially activated on November 1, 2024, as an overlay for the 213 and 323 regions covering Downtown LA and Hollywood.

Do I need to dial 1 before the area code in Los Angeles?

For mobile phones, you generally only need to dial the 10-digit number (e.g., 213-555-0199). For landline phones, you are often required to dial "1" followed by the area code and the number (1-213-555-0199).

Is 626 part of Los Angeles?

Yes, the 626 area code serves the San Gabriel Valley, which is part of Los Angeles County. It includes cities like Pasadena, Alhambra, and West Covina.

Can I choose my area code when moving to LA?

While you cannot strictly "choose" a code from a service provider if they don't have available numbers in that pool, many mobile carriers and VoIP services allow you to select from available numbers in different Los Angeles area codes (e.g., selecting a 310 number even if you live in the 818 area).

Summary of Los Angeles Telephone Regions

Navigating the telephone landscape of Los Angeles requires an understanding of the city's regional divisions. Whether you are dialing into the historic core with 213/323/738, the coastal Westside with 310/424, or the suburban valleys of 818/747 and 626, each code carries a specific geographic and cultural identity. As of 2024, the implementation of the 738 code ensures that the city’s central districts will have enough numbering capacity for years to come. Remember that in all overlay regions, 10-digit dialing is mandatory, reflecting the interconnected and high-density nature of modern Southern California.