Area Code Atlas

NPA 334 split from 205

In 1995, area code 334 was created in a split from 205, reducing the geographic extent of 205 to the western and central parts of Alabama. This split was implemented to address number exhaustion in Alabama, with area code 334 taking over the region from Montgomery southward.

NPA 205 split to create 334

Area code 205 was split in January 1995 to create area code 334, covering southeastern Alabama including Montgomery and Mobile regions. This split established 334 as a new area code serving southeastern Alabama, with 205 remaining in the western and central parts of the state.

Mandatory use of area code 334

On May 13, 1995, the permissive dialing period ended for the 334 area code. After this date, callers were required to use the new 334 code for calls terminating in the southeastern Alabama region.

334 NPA Split, Creating 251 NPA (Alabama)

Area code 251 created as a split from 334

On June 18, 2001, area code 251 was created as a split from area code 334 to serve southwestern Alabama, including Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties. The split was implemented to accommodate the growing demand for telephone numbers in the region.

Permissive dialing period for 251 and 334

Permissive dialing for area code 251 began on June 18, 2001, allowing calls to be completed using either 334 or 251 in the affected region. This transition period continued until January 7, 2002, to give residents and businesses time to adjust to the new area code.

Approval of 334/483 overlay

On March 5, 2024, the Alabama Public Service Commission approved an all-services distributed overlay for area code 334, introducing area code 483 to address projected number exhaustion by early 2026.

Overlay relief planned for NPA 334 with new code 483

The Alabama Public Service Commission approved an all-services distributed overlay for area code 334 with the new area code 483 to provide relief for central office code exhaustion projected by early 2026. The overlay was announced in March 2024 with an in-service date scheduled for February 26, 2026.

NPA 483 overlay on 334 announced

NPA 483 to Overlay NPA 334 (Alabama)

Permissive 10-digit dialing begins for 334/483 overlay

Permissive ten-digit dialing began in July 2025 for the overlay complex of area codes 334 and 483 in southeastern Alabama. This period allowed customers to dial either seven or ten digits before mandatory ten-digit dialing was enforced.

Mandatory 10-digit dialing begins for 334/483 overlay

Mandatory ten-digit dialing began on January 23, 2026, for the overlay complex of area codes 334 and 483 in southeastern Alabama. This change followed the permissive dialing period that started in July 2025.

Area code 483 activated as overlay on 334

On February 23, 2026, area code 483 was activated as an overlay on the existing 334 area code, serving the same geographic region in southeastern Alabama. New telephone numbers may be assigned the 483 area code from this date forward.

NPA 483 overlay activated on 334

Area code 483 was activated as an all-services overlay on area code 334 in southeastern Alabama on February 26, 2026. This overlay was implemented to address the exhaustion of central office codes in the region.