Washington 564 Overlay for Area Codes 206, 253, 360 and 425 FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code(s). In Washington, the 564 area code is being added to the area served by the 206, 253, 360 and 425 area codes to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers.

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, 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 206, 253, 360 or 425 area code is affected, as well as anyone who receives a phone number from the 564 area code in the future. The 564 overlay will be introduced initially in the existing 360 area code region, and then expanded to the 206, 253, and 425 area codes when those area codes are nearing exhaust and need additional telephone numbers. The 206, 253, 360 and 425 area codes cover all of western Washington, so the 564 area code will eventually cover all of western Washington as well. The map below shows the western Washington overlay area with the initial introduction of the 564 area code to the existing 360 area code region.

The new 564 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 206, 253, 360 and 425 area codes. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 206, 253, 360, 425 or 564 phone number, you'll need to enter the area code for all calls - including calls within the same area code. To complete local calls from a phone with a 206, 253, 360, 425 or 564 area code, the new calling procedure requires you to enter the area code and 7-digit phone number.

Beginning January 28, 2017, if you have a 206, 253, 360 or 425 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 29, 2017, if you have a 206, 253, 360 or 425 area code, the new calling procedure will be required for all calls. On or after this date, if you don't use the new calling procedure, your call won't be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning August 28, 2017, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 564 area code. If you have a 564 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
  • Fax machines
  • Internet dial-up numbers
  • Voice mail 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 564 area code overlay for area codes 206, 253, 360 and 425, please contact us at (800) 922-0204. You may also visit the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission site to learn more.