Area code 213 serves downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities in Los Angeles County, California. As one of California's original area codes from 1947, the 213 area code now operates in a three-way overlay with area codes 323 and 738. This comprehensive guide covers everything about 213 phone numbers: location and coverage maps, cities served, 10-digit dialing requirements, and the complete history of Los Angeles area code changes.
Whether you need to look up a 213 phone number, understand local dialing rules, or find which neighborhoods and cities use area code 213, you'll find detailed information on geographic coverage, telecommunications carriers, CPUC regulations, and the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) framework governing California area codes.
What is Area Code 213?
Area code 213 is one of 86 original area codes established in October 1947, when AT&T published the first nationwide numbering plan. The Los Angeles area code 213 received a low-digit code (with middle digit "1") because Los Angeles was a major metropolitan center with extensive toll routing infrastructure – a designation shared with New York City (212), Chicago (312), Detroit (313), and Philadelphia (215). AT&T strategically assigned these low-digit codes to major regional toll centers to facilitate efficient long-distance telephone routing.
Initially covering Southern California, the 213 area code has been progressively subdivided over seven decades to accommodate explosive population and business growth. Today, it primarily serves downtown Los Angeles and immediately adjoining neighborhoods, operating in an overlay arrangement with area code 323 and area code 738.
Key overlay milestones:
- July 8, 2017: The 213/323 overlay eliminated the boundary between the two area codes (CPUC).
- August 22, 2022: The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) filed Application (A.) 22-08-009 with the CPUC requesting approval of an overlay due to projected numbering resource exhaustion by June 2025.
- March 16, 2023: CPUC approved area code 738 as an additional overlay (CPUC Decision).
- November 1, 2024: Area code 738 became operational.
Note on CPUC documentation: Some CPUC press release titles reference "728" while all official decision text and content consistently specify "738." This guide uses 738 per the official CPUC decision and all substantive documentation.
This overlay arrangement means all three area codes cover the same geographic area, maximizing available phone numbers and ensuring the Los Angeles region can meet current and future telecommunications demands.
Where is Area Code 213 Located? Coverage Map and Geographic Boundaries
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Location | Los Angeles County, California |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC-8 (UTC-7 during DST) |
| Overlay Area Codes | 323, 738 |
| Status | Active overlay region |
| Type | Geographic area code (not toll-free) |
The 213/323/738 overlay region serves downtown Los Angeles and surrounding cities including Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Commerce, Cudahy, Glendale, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, and West Hollywood, plus unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County. This is one of the nation's geographically smallest numbering plan areas, known for its dense urban environment, diverse cultural landscape, and significant economic activity.
View the official area code 213 map on the CPUC website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/213_323_areacodes.
What Cities and Neighborhoods Use Area Code 213?
The 213/323/738 overlay region extends beyond downtown Los Angeles to several adjacent communities throughout Los Angeles County:
- Downtown LA neighborhoods: Chinatown, Echo Park, South Park, Exposition Park, Westlake, Koreatown, Silver Lake, Arts District
- Geographic boundaries: Western boundary at Western Avenue; northern boundary follows the Los Angeles River near Griffith Park
- Major surrounding cities: Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, Inglewood, Hawthorne, West Hollywood, Alhambra, Montebello, Monterey Park
Understanding this 213 area code coverage is crucial for anyone doing business, establishing telecommunications services, or residing in these areas.
How to Dial 213 Phone Numbers: 10-Digit Dialing Requirements
Mandatory dialing format: 1 + area code + 7-digit phone number
Due to the overlay arrangement between area codes 213, 323, and 738, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls within the region. To make any call within the 213 area code region, dial:
- 1 (required prefix)
- Area code (213, 323, or 738)
- 7-digit phone number
This applies to all calls, including local calls within the same area code region. The overlay system means caller ID will display the full 10-digit number format, helping you identify which area code is calling.
Emergency and special services: Dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if available in your community.
Phone number format example: A complete 213 phone number follows the format 1-213-XXX-XXXX, where XXX-XXXX represents the local subscriber number.
Telecommunications Providers and Services in Area Code 213
Which Phone Carriers Serve Area Code 213?
The Los Angeles 213 area code is served by major telecommunications providers including:
- Major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
- Regional and VoIP providers: Numerous smaller carriers and Voice over Internet Protocol service providers
This competitive telecommunications landscape offers a range of service choices, pricing options, and technology platforms for residential and business customers.
Available Phone Services in the 213 Area Code
You can access a full spectrum of telecommunications services within the 213 area code region:
- Landline services: Traditional POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines
- Wireless services: 4G LTE and 5G mobile networks
- VoIP solutions: Voice over Internet Protocol for home and business use
- Business phone systems: PBX systems, call centers, and enterprise solutions
Select the communication method that best suits your requirements and budget. Many businesses in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding cities use toll-free numbers alongside their local 213 numbers.
Who Regulates Area Code 213?
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees regulations for area code 213 and all California telecommunications services. The CPUC ensures sufficient numbering resources, manages area code overlays and splits, prevents number exhaustion, and enforces fair pricing and consumer protection within the telecommunications industry.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate telecommunications and establishes national numbering policies under the North American Numbering Plan.
Access resources and file complaints through the CPUC website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
Area Code 213 History: Splits and Overlays
The area code 213 history reflects the evolution of telecommunications in Southern California over nearly eight decades.
- October 1947: Established as one of 86 original North American area codes by AT&T. At this time, 213 covered Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County.
- 1951: First split, creating area code 714 for San Diego and most of Orange County.
- 1957: Second split, creating area code 805. This restricted 213 to Los Angeles County.
- 1984: Third split, creating area code 818 for the San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley.
- 1991: Fourth split, creating area code 310 for the Westside, South Bay, and coastal areas.
- 1998: Fifth split, creating area code 323 for areas surrounding downtown Los Angeles, leaving 213 serving only downtown and immediately adjoining neighborhoods.
- July 8, 2017: Overlay implemented with area code 323, eliminating the boundary between the two NPAs and recombining them into a single geographic region (CPUC).
- August 22, 2022: NANPA filed Application (A.) 22-08-009 with the CPUC requesting approval of an overlay area code for the 213/323 region due to projected numbering resource exhaustion by June 2025.
- March 16, 2023: CPUC approved area code 738 as an additional overlay (CPUC Decision).
- November 1, 2024: Area code 738 overlay became operational, allowing new phone numbers to be assigned with the 738 area code (CPUC Press Release, March 1, 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 213
What cities are in the 213 area code?
The 213 area code serves these cities in Los Angeles County:
Major cities: Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, Inglewood, Hawthorne
Additional cities: Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, West Hollywood, and unincorporated areas of LA County.
Is 213 the same as 323?
Yes. Since July 8, 2017, area codes 213 and 323 cover the same geographic region through an overlay arrangement. Area code 738 was added to this overlay on November 1, 2024. All three area codes (213, 323, and 738) serve identical territory in Los Angeles County.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in 213?
Yes. 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls in the 213/323/738 region. You must dial: 1 + area code + 7-digit phone number for every call, including local calls within the same area code.
When was area code 213 created?
Area code 213 was created in October 1947 as one of 86 original North American area codes. It initially covered Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County, making it one of the largest area codes in the original numbering plan.
Why was area code 738 added?
Area code 738 was added because the 213/323 region was running out of available phone numbers. NANPA projected number exhaustion by June 2025, so the CPUC approved the 738 overlay on March 16, 2023. It became operational on November 1, 2024, providing additional numbering capacity for the region.
What is the time zone for area code 213?
Area code 213 operates in Pacific Time (PT): UTC-8 during standard time and UTC-7 during daylight saving time. This is the same time zone used by all California area codes west of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Can I keep my 213 phone number if I move?
Yes, through number portability. If you move within the 213/323/738 service area, you can typically keep your phone number with any carrier. If you move outside the area but stay with certain carriers (especially VoIP and wireless providers), you may still retain your 213 number through Local Number Portability (LNP) regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
How do I look up a 213 phone number?
To look up a 213 phone number, you can use reverse phone lookup services, search engines, or contact your telecommunications carrier. For business numbers, check online directories. For spam or scam verification, use call identification apps or report suspicious calls to the FCC.
Is 213 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 213 is not a toll-free number. It's a geographic area code for Los Angeles County. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. Calling a 213 number may incur standard local or long-distance charges depending on your calling plan.
Future of Area Code 213 and Numbering Resources
The combined numbering resources of area codes 213, 323, and 738 provide ample phone numbers for the foreseeable future. The 738 overlay was added after NANPA projected that numbering resources in the 213/323 region would be exhausted by June 2025. This three-way overlay ensures the Los Angeles region can accommodate continued growth and innovation in telecommunications, providing businesses and residents with continued access to essential communication services.
As Los Angeles continues to grow as a major business and technology hub, the CPUC and NANPA monitor numbering resources to ensure adequate capacity for new telephone lines, wireless services, and VoIP connections.
Conclusion: Understanding Area Code 213
Area code 213 remains a vital identifier for downtown Los Angeles telecommunications and a recognizable symbol of the city's historic telephone service. Whether you're looking up a 213 phone number, setting up business phone systems in LA, or understanding local dialing requirements, this guide covers the essential information about the 213/323/738 overlay region.
Key takeaways:
- All 213, 323, and 738 numbers serve the same Los Angeles County region
- 10-digit dialing (1 + area code + number) is required for all calls
- The area code covers 20+ cities including downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Glendale, and Pasadena
- Number portability allows you to keep your 213 number when switching carriers
- The 213 area code was established in 1947 and remains one of California's most recognizable area codes
For official area code 213 maps, CPUC regulations, or to verify a phone number's service area, visit the California Public Utilities Commission at www.cpuc.ca.gov/213_323_areacodes. Contact CPUC numbering staff with questions about telephone numbering, area code assignments, or local calling areas.
Area code 213 serves downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities in Los Angeles County, California. As one of California's original area codes from 1947, the 213 area code now operates in a three-way overlay with area codes 323 and 738. This comprehensive guide covers everything about 213 phone numbers: location and coverage maps, cities served, 10-digit dialing requirements, and the complete history of Los Angeles area code changes.
Whether you need to look up a 213 phone number, understand local dialing rules, or find which neighborhoods and cities use area code 213, you'll find detailed information on geographic coverage, telecommunications carriers, CPUC regulations, and the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) framework governing California area codes.
What is Area Code 213?
Area code 213 is one of 86 original area codes established in October 1947, when AT&T published the first nationwide numbering plan. The Los Angeles area code 213 received a low-digit code (with middle digit "1") because Los Angeles was a major metropolitan center with extensive toll routing infrastructure – a designation shared with New York City (212), Chicago (312), Detroit (313), and Philadelphia (215). AT&T strategically assigned these low-digit codes to major regional toll centers to facilitate efficient long-distance telephone routing.
Initially covering Southern California, the 213 area code has been progressively subdivided over seven decades to accommodate explosive population and business growth. Today, it primarily serves downtown Los Angeles and immediately adjoining neighborhoods, operating in an overlay arrangement with area code 323 and area code 738.
Key overlay milestones:
Note on CPUC documentation: Some CPUC press release titles reference "728" while all official decision text and content consistently specify "738." This guide uses 738 per the official CPUC decision and all substantive documentation.
This overlay arrangement means all three area codes cover the same geographic area, maximizing available phone numbers and ensuring the Los Angeles region can meet current and future telecommunications demands.
Where is Area Code 213 Located? Coverage Map and Geographic Boundaries
The 213/323/738 overlay region serves downtown Los Angeles and surrounding cities including Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Commerce, Cudahy, Glendale, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, and West Hollywood, plus unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County. This is one of the nation's geographically smallest numbering plan areas, known for its dense urban environment, diverse cultural landscape, and significant economic activity.
View the official area code 213 map on the CPUC website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/213_323_areacodes.
What Cities and Neighborhoods Use Area Code 213?
The 213/323/738 overlay region extends beyond downtown Los Angeles to several adjacent communities throughout Los Angeles County:
Understanding this 213 area code coverage is crucial for anyone doing business, establishing telecommunications services, or residing in these areas.
How to Dial 213 Phone Numbers: 10-Digit Dialing Requirements
Mandatory dialing format: 1 + area code + 7-digit phone number
Due to the overlay arrangement between area codes 213, 323, and 738, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls within the region. To make any call within the 213 area code region, dial:
This applies to all calls, including local calls within the same area code region. The overlay system means caller ID will display the full 10-digit number format, helping you identify which area code is calling.
Emergency and special services: Dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if available in your community.
Phone number format example: A complete 213 phone number follows the format 1-213-XXX-XXXX, where XXX-XXXX represents the local subscriber number.
Telecommunications Providers and Services in Area Code 213
Which Phone Carriers Serve Area Code 213?
The Los Angeles 213 area code is served by major telecommunications providers including:
This competitive telecommunications landscape offers a range of service choices, pricing options, and technology platforms for residential and business customers.
Available Phone Services in the 213 Area Code
You can access a full spectrum of telecommunications services within the 213 area code region:
Select the communication method that best suits your requirements and budget. Many businesses in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding cities use toll-free numbers alongside their local 213 numbers.
Who Regulates Area Code 213?
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees regulations for area code 213 and all California telecommunications services. The CPUC ensures sufficient numbering resources, manages area code overlays and splits, prevents number exhaustion, and enforces fair pricing and consumer protection within the telecommunications industry.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate telecommunications and establishes national numbering policies under the North American Numbering Plan.
Access resources and file complaints through the CPUC website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
Area Code 213 History: Splits and Overlays
The area code 213 history reflects the evolution of telecommunications in Southern California over nearly eight decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 213
What cities are in the 213 area code?
The 213 area code serves these cities in Los Angeles County:
Major cities: Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, Inglewood, Hawthorne
Additional cities: Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, West Hollywood, and unincorporated areas of LA County.
Is 213 the same as 323?
Yes. Since July 8, 2017, area codes 213 and 323 cover the same geographic region through an overlay arrangement. Area code 738 was added to this overlay on November 1, 2024. All three area codes (213, 323, and 738) serve identical territory in Los Angeles County.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in 213?
Yes. 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls in the 213/323/738 region. You must dial: 1 + area code + 7-digit phone number for every call, including local calls within the same area code.
When was area code 213 created?
Area code 213 was created in October 1947 as one of 86 original North American area codes. It initially covered Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego County, making it one of the largest area codes in the original numbering plan.
Why was area code 738 added?
Area code 738 was added because the 213/323 region was running out of available phone numbers. NANPA projected number exhaustion by June 2025, so the CPUC approved the 738 overlay on March 16, 2023. It became operational on November 1, 2024, providing additional numbering capacity for the region.
What is the time zone for area code 213?
Area code 213 operates in Pacific Time (PT): UTC-8 during standard time and UTC-7 during daylight saving time. This is the same time zone used by all California area codes west of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Can I keep my 213 phone number if I move?
Yes, through number portability. If you move within the 213/323/738 service area, you can typically keep your phone number with any carrier. If you move outside the area but stay with certain carriers (especially VoIP and wireless providers), you may still retain your 213 number through Local Number Portability (LNP) regulations established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
How do I look up a 213 phone number?
To look up a 213 phone number, you can use reverse phone lookup services, search engines, or contact your telecommunications carrier. For business numbers, check online directories. For spam or scam verification, use call identification apps or report suspicious calls to the FCC.
Is 213 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 213 is not a toll-free number. It's a geographic area code for Los Angeles County. Toll-free area codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. Calling a 213 number may incur standard local or long-distance charges depending on your calling plan.
Future of Area Code 213 and Numbering Resources
The combined numbering resources of area codes 213, 323, and 738 provide ample phone numbers for the foreseeable future. The 738 overlay was added after NANPA projected that numbering resources in the 213/323 region would be exhausted by June 2025. This three-way overlay ensures the Los Angeles region can accommodate continued growth and innovation in telecommunications, providing businesses and residents with continued access to essential communication services.
As Los Angeles continues to grow as a major business and technology hub, the CPUC and NANPA monitor numbering resources to ensure adequate capacity for new telephone lines, wireless services, and VoIP connections.
Conclusion: Understanding Area Code 213
Area code 213 remains a vital identifier for downtown Los Angeles telecommunications and a recognizable symbol of the city's historic telephone service. Whether you're looking up a 213 phone number, setting up business phone systems in LA, or understanding local dialing requirements, this guide covers the essential information about the 213/323/738 overlay region.
Key takeaways:
For official area code 213 maps, CPUC regulations, or to verify a phone number's service area, visit the California Public Utilities Commission at www.cpuc.ca.gov/213_323_areacodes. Contact CPUC numbering staff with questions about telephone numbering, area code assignments, or local calling areas.