205 Area Code — Birmingham, AL
Area code 205 serves Birmingham and 3 other cities in Alabama. Local time follows America/Chicago. It overlays with 659, so 10-digit dialling is required.
- State
- Alabama
- Primary city
- Birmingham
- Timezone
- America/Chicago
- In service since
- 1947
- Type
- Geographic
- Overlay codes
- 659
Cities Served by 205
The 205 area code covers 4 cities and communities in Alabama.
- Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Bessemer
About Area Code 205
Area code 205 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code that has been in service since 1947. It is administered by NANPA on behalf of the FCC and serves the Alabama region anchored on Birmingham.
205 now shares its territory with an overlay code (659). 10-digit dialling is required for local calls within this region because the same 7-digit number can be assigned under either code.
Mobile numbers in 205 are portable: a person who moved away from Birmingham may still carry a 205 mobile number on their device. If you receive an unexpected call from a 205 number, run it through the reverse lookup tool above for the most accurate, free identification.
If you live or do business in Alabama, you may also interact with neighbouring or overlay codes (659). See the related codes section below to explore the rest of Alabama.
Other Alabama Area Codes
Continue exploring the Alabama numbering plan.
205 Area Code FAQ
Where is area code 205?
Area code 205 is located in Alabama, primarily serving Birmingham and surrounding cities including Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer. The region operates on CT (America/Chicago) time.
What state is 205 area code?
205 is a Alabama area code. It was put into service in 1947 and shares its geographic footprint with overlay code 659.
Is 205 a scam area code?
205 is a legitimate North American area code allocated by NANPA to Alabama. Like any geographic area code, scammers sometimes spoof 205 numbers — judge each call by content (urgent demands, unfamiliar transfers) rather than the area code alone. Run the specific number through our reverse lookup if you're unsure.
What time zone does 205 use?
Area code 205 operates on CT (America/Chicago). Numbers in this area code follow standard Alabama time-zone rules including any daylight-saving transitions for that region.
Can I look up a specific 205 phone number?
Yes. Use the reverse lookup widget above to enter a full 205 number. NumLocation returns the line type (mobile, landline, VoIP), carrier, rate-center city, and any public listings tied to the number — free.
What's the difference between 205 and 659?
205 and 659 cover the same Alabama geographic area as overlay codes. Calls between them are local, but you must dial all 10 digits. New phone numbers in this region are assigned from either pool depending on what's available with the carrier at signup.