206 area code — Seattle, WA geographic
- State
- Washington
- Major area
- Seattle
- Time zone
- Pacific
- In service since
- 1947-01-01
- Overlay complex
- 206 / 564
- Active prefixes
- 752
- Rate centers
- 5
- Carriers
- 51
- Projected exhaust
- 2Q 2073
Area code 206 is a geographic code serving Seattle, Washington in the Pacific time zone. It has been in service since January 1, 1947. It is part of the 206/564 overlay complex — these codes share the same territory. Note that porting and VoIP mean a 206 number can be used from anywhere — the code marks where the number was assigned.
752 central-office prefixes are currently active in this code, spread across 51 code-holding carriers. Thousands-block pooling applies to 414 prefixes, so a single prefix can belong to several carriers. Its prefixes map to 5 distinct rate centers.
It has since spawned 360 (1995), 253 (1997), 425 (1997).
NANPA projects numbering capacity for the 206/564 complex to exhaust in 2Q 2073.
Dialing: 10D locally, 10D to other codes (1+10-digit dialing permissible at service provider discretion).
Among Washington codes, 206 stands out as the oldest area code in Washington, in service since 1947.
If a 206 call asks for money or personal data, treat the displayed number as unverified: hang up and reach the organization through its published number. Numbering data locates numbers, not callers.
Largest localities in 206
| Locality (rate center) | Active prefixes | Also served by |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 676 | — |
| Bainbridge Island | 28 | — |
| Des Moines | 21 | 253 |
| Richmond Beach | 19 | — |
| Vashon | 8 | — |
FAQ
Will 206 run out of numbers?
NANPA's current forecast projects exhaust in 2Q 2073 — decades of capacity remain.
Why am I getting spam calls from 206 numbers?
Scammers spoof recognizable area codes so calls look local or familiar. A displayed 206 number does not prove the call originated there — see our guide to spotting spoofed calls.
Where is a 206 number from?
206 is assigned to Seattle and surrounding areas of Washington in the Pacific time zone. The three digits after the area code (the prefix) narrow it down to a rate center.
Is 206 a toll-free number?
No. 206 is a geographic code; calls are billed like any other domestic call. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Why do 564 and 206 cover the same place?
They are overlays: when a code runs low on numbers, a new code is added over the same territory instead of splitting it. The 206/564 complex shares one service area, and local calls are dialed with 10 digits.