New York 518 / 838 Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. In New York, the 838 area code is being added to the area served by the 518 area code 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 518 area code is affected, as well as anyone who receives a phone number from the 838 area code in the future. The 518 area code covers the northeast portion of New York, including communities such as:

• Albany
• Clifton Park
• Glens Falls
• Gloversville
• Lake Placid
• Plattsburgh
• Saranac
• Schenectady
• Troy

The 838 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 518 area code. The map below shows the 518 / 838 overlay area.

The new 838 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 518 area code. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have a 518 or 838 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 518 or 838 area code, the new calling procedure requires you to enter the area code and 7-digit phone number.

Beginning March 18, 2017, if you have a 518 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 August 19, 2017, if you have a 518 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 September 19, 2017, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 838 area code. If you have an 838 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. Some 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
  • 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 considered local now 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 518 / 838 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204. Visit the New York Public Service Commission site to learn more.