Area Code Atlas

Area code 323 created from split of 213

On June 13, 1998, area code 323 was created from a split of area code 213, with 213 retained for downtown Los Angeles and 323 assigned to the surrounding central Los Angeles communities. The split reduced 213 to cover only downtown Los Angeles and immediately adjoining neighborhoods, while 323 served the remainder of central Los Angeles and several neighboring cities.

Boundary-elimination overlay for 213 and 323 approved

On July 14, 2016, the CPUC approved elimination of the allocation boundaries between 213 and 323 so that both area codes could be used across the whole region.

NPA 213 and 323 Boundary Elimination Overlay (California)

Permissive dialing begins for 213/323 overlay

Permissive dialing for the 213/323 overlay began on August 27, 2016, allowing callers to use either 7-digit or 1+10-digit dialing for calls within the affected area codes.

Permissive dialing begins for 213/323 overlay

In January 2017, a permissive dialing period began for the 213/323 overlay complex covering area codes 213 and 323. During this period, callers could use either 7-digit or 1+10-digit dialing for local calls.

Mandatory 1+10-digit dialing for 213/323 overlay

Mandatory 1+10-digit dialing for all calls within and between the 213 and 323 area codes began on February 25, 2017, as part of the overlay implementation.

213/323 boundary elimination overlay becomes effective

On March 25, 2017, the boundary between area codes 213 and 323 was eliminated, creating an overlay complex for central Los Angeles. Both area codes could now be assigned throughout the entire region.

Mandatory 1+10-digit dialing for 213/323 overlay

Mandatory 1+10-digit dialing was implemented in July 2017 for all calls within the 213 and 323 overlay complex, requiring callers to dial the area code for all calls, coinciding with the full effect of the overlay complex that eliminated the boundary between the two NPAs.

213 and 323 overlay complex implemented

On July 8, 2017, the overlay complex for area codes 213 and 323 was implemented, eliminating the boundary between the two NPAs and allowing both codes to serve the same geographic area in central Los Angeles. This change required 1+10-digit dialing for all calls.

213 and 323 boundary eliminated to form overlay complex

The boundaries between area codes 213 and 323 were eliminated on July 8, 2017, converting the region to an overlay complex. This allowed telephone companies to assign any available 213 or 323 numbers throughout the combined area, and required customers to dial the area code for all calls.

Mandatory 10-digit dialing for 213/323 overlay

Mandatory 10-digit dialing was implemented for all calls within the 213/323 overlay complex on July 8, 2017, following the elimination of the boundary between the two area codes.

CPUC approves 738 overlay for 213/323 complex

On March 16, 2023, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the addition of area code 738 as an all-services overlay for the 213/323 complex, to address projected number exhaustion.

NPA 738 overlay on 213/323 announced

NPA 738 to Overlay NPA 213/323 (California)

NANPA issued Planning Letter PL-614 for the 213/323/738 overlay

NANPA issued Planning Letter PL-614 on May 16, 2023 for the 738 overlay implementation in the 213/323 region.

738 overlay activated for 213/323 complex

Beginning November 1, 2024, area code 738 was activated as an overlay for the 213/323 complex, providing additional numbering resources for central Los Angeles. Customers requesting new service or an additional line in the 213/323 region could be assigned a 738 number.

738 overlay launched without a new local dialing transition

The 738 overlay did not require a new local dialing transition because customers in the 213/323 region already dialed 1+10 digits for local calls.

NPA 738 activated as overlay for 213/323

On November 1, 2024, area code 738 was activated as an overlay for the existing 213 and 323 area codes, providing additional numbering resources for the Los Angeles region.