California 213 / 323 Boundary Elimination Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers in California, the existing 213 area code is being added to the area served by the 323 area code, and conversely, the existing 323 area code is being added to the area served by the 213 area code.

You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number. However, because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic area, the overlay does require you to dial or enter the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls, including calls within the same area code.

A boundary elimination overlay occurs when the boundary line between two existing area codes is eliminated so that both area codes serve the same combined geographic region. In California, the boundary line between the 213 and 323 area codes is being eliminated so that the existing 213 area code will serve the same geographic region as the existing 323 area code, and conversely, the existing 323 area code will serve the same geographic region as the existing 213 area code. You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number, but it does require you to dial or enter the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls, including calls within the same area code.

Anyone who has a phone number with a 213 or 323 area code is affected, as well as anyone who receives a phone number from the 213 or 323 area code in the future. The 213 area code serves the downtown portion of the City of Los Angeles and is surrounded by the 323 area code. The 323 area code, in addition to serving a large portion of the City of Los Angeles, serves the cities of 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. The map below shows the combined 213 / 323 overlay area.

The boundary line between the 213 and 323 area codes is being eliminated so that both area codes will serve the same geographic area. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 213 or 323 phone number, you'll need to enter the area code for all calls - including calls within the same area code. To complete calls from a wireless phone with a 213 or 323 area code, the new calling procedure requires you to enter the area code and 7-digit phone number (you may also enter 1 + area code and 7-digit phone number). To complete calls from a landline phone with a 213 or 323 area code, the new calling procedure requires you to enter 1 + the area code and 7-digit phone number.

Beginning January 14, 2017, if you have a 213 or 323 area code, you should start entering the area code for all calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and enter just 7 digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

Beginning July 8, 2017, if you have a 213 or 323 area code, the new calling procedure will be required for all calls. On or after this date, if you don't enter the area code and 7-digit phone number on all calls, your call won't be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning August 1, 2017, new telephone lines or services in the former 323 area may be assigned numbers with the 213 area code, and new telephone lines or services in the former 213 area may be assigned numbers with the 323 area code. If you have a 213 or 323 area code, you must enter the area code and 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call won't be completed.

No, the only change is entering the area code for all calls. Your current area code and phone number won't change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services won't change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits entered.

In addition to entering the area code and phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Update any pre-programmed 7-digit phone numbers in your mobile device to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services, and any call forwarding services.


• Re-program all services and devices that use a 7-digit phone number to include the area code, including automatic dialing equipment. Other examples include:
  
  • Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
  • Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
  • Security gates
  • Speed dialers
  • Call forwarding settings
  • PBXs and Fax machines
  • Internet dial-up numbers
  • Voicemail services and similar functions
• Check your websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

The following items will remain the same and won't change:

• Your phone number, including current area code


• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services


• Calls that are now considered local will remain local calls, regardless of the number of digits entered


• 911 calls aren't affected, only 3 digits are required


• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you'll still be able to call them by entering just 3 digits

If you have any questions about the 213 / 323 boundary elimination area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204. Visit the California Public Utilities Commission site to learn more.