256 Area Code — Huntsville, AL
Area code 256 serves Huntsville and 5 other cities in Alabama. Local time follows America/Chicago. It overlays with 938, so 10-digit dialling is required.
- State
- Alabama
- Primary city
- Huntsville
- Timezone
- America/Chicago
- In service since
- 1998
- Type
- Geographic
- Overlay codes
- 938
Cities Served by 256
The 256 area code covers 6 cities and communities in Alabama.
- Huntsville
- Madison
- Decatur
- Florence
- Anniston
- Gadsden
About Area Code 256
Area code 256 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code that has been in service since 1998. It is administered by NANPA on behalf of the FCC and serves the Alabama region anchored on Huntsville.
256 now shares its territory with an overlay code (938). 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 256 are portable: a person who moved away from Huntsville may still carry a 256 mobile number on their device. If you receive an unexpected call from a 256 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 (938). See the related codes section below to explore the rest of Alabama.
Other Alabama Area Codes
Continue exploring the Alabama numbering plan.
256 Area Code FAQ
Where is area code 256?
Area code 256 is located in Alabama, primarily serving Huntsville and surrounding cities including Madison, Decatur, Florence. The region operates on CT (America/Chicago) time.
What state is 256 area code?
256 is a Alabama area code. It was put into service in 1998 and shares its geographic footprint with overlay code 938.
Is 256 a scam area code?
256 is a legitimate North American area code allocated by NANPA to Alabama. Like any geographic area code, scammers sometimes spoof 256 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 256 use?
Area code 256 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 256 phone number?
Yes. Use the reverse lookup widget above to enter a full 256 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 256 and 938?
256 and 938 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.