202 Area Code

The 202 area code is the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) telephone code for Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States of America. Established in 1947, 202 uniquely identifies phone numbers assigned within the District of Columbia. It is widely recognized across the country because it is used by federal agencies, embassies, national nonprofits, universities, media outlets, and businesses that maintain a Washington presence. The overlay code 771 shares the same geographic footprint, and both codes together serve all phone services in the District.

Understanding the 202 Area Code

Area code 202 denotes telephone numbers located inside the geographic boundaries of Washington, D.C. The common phone number format is (202) NXX-XXXX, where the NXX denotes the central office (exchange) and the remaining four digits specify the individual line. Because 202 is an overlay region with 771, callers and businesses must use 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) for local calls.

202 Area Code Map and Geographic Location

The 202 area code map corresponds to the full extent of the District of Columbia. Unlike area codes that span counties or entire states, 202 is compact and urban, matching the District's municipal boundary. On interactive maps, the 202 telephone zone covers federal buildings, embassies, cultural institutions, neighborhoods, riverside corridors, and residential districts throughout the city.

All Major Neighborhoods and Areas in the 202 Area Code Region

The 202 area code serves every neighborhood within Washington, D.C. Major neighborhoods and corridors include (grouped broadly for clarity):

• Federal & Civic Core: Capitol Hill, Federal Triangle, Judiciary Square, Penn Quarter, Downtown, Mount Vernon Square
• Waterfront & Historic: Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, West End, Southwest Waterfront (The Wharf), Navy Yard, Capitol Riverfront
• Cultural & Entertainment Corridors: Chinatown, U Street Corridor, Shaw, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, H Street NE/Atlas District
• Northwest Residential: Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant, Petworth, Brightwood, Crestwood
• Upper Northwest: Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, Van Ness, Tenleytown, AU Park, Cathedral Heights, Glover Park, Friendship Heights
• Northeast: Brookland, Edgewood, Michigan Park, Trinidad, Eckington, Bloomingdale
• Southeast & East of the River: Anacostia, Congress Heights, Barney Circle, Capitol Hill South, Fort Dupont, Washington Highlands

ZIP Codes within the 202 Telephone Zone (Examples)

All District ZIP codes fall within the 202/771 numbering plan. Representative examples include:

• 20001 - Shaw, Mount Vernon Square
• 20002 - Near Northeast, NoMa, H Street Corridor
• 20003 - Capitol Hill (SE), Eastern Market
• 20004 - Downtown Core
• 20005 - Logan Circle, Downtown
• 20007 - Georgetown, Burleith, Glover Park
• 20009 - Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan
• 20010 - Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant
• 20011 - Petworth, Brightwood
• 20012 - Takoma, Shepherd Park
• 20015 - Chevy Chase (DC)
• 20016 - Tenleytown, AU Park, Cathedral Heights
• 20017 - Brookland, Catholic University
• 20024 - Southwest Waterfront, The Wharf
• 20032 - Congress Heights
• 20500 - U.S. Government special ZIPs (select federal mail)

Time Zone

The 202 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) in winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during daylight saving time.

Dialing, Phone & Service Details

• Local dialing: 10-digit dialing required (202 or 771 + 7-digit number).
• Long-distance (within NANP): Dial 1 + area code + number.
• International: Dial your international exit code + 1 (country code for USA) + 202 + the 7-digit number (e.g., +1 202 NXX XXXX).
• Services: 202 and 771 are used for landlines, mobile phones, VoIP, business PBXs, government lines, and special-purpose numbers within the District.

Why the 202 Area Code Matters

Area code 202 is symbolic: it signals a Washington, D.C. presence and is often chosen by organizations that want immediate recognition tied to the nation's capital. Government agencies, advocacy groups, think tanks, embassies, and national media frequently use 202 numbers. For residents, a 202 phone number ties identity and services to a compact urban district with high density of civic institutions, cultural amenities, universities, and international operations.

What area code is 202? / Where's area code 202?

What area code is 202? - 202 is the telephone area code assigned to Washington, D.C., USA.

Where's area code 202? - It covers the entire District of Columbia, including all neighborhoods and ZIP codes roughly in the range 20001-20599.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 202 Area Code