Birmingham, Alabama

Where Is Area Code 205?

Area code 205 is in central and west-central Alabama. It serves Birmingham and much of the western side of the Birmingham metropolitan area. It also covers nearby communities in the central part of the state.

Area code 205 includes major places such as Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Bessemer, and Hoover. It serves parts of Jefferson County, Tuscaloosa County, and several nearby counties in west-central Alabama. The exact footprint changed after later area code splits, but 205 remains closely tied to Birmingham.

This area includes well-known Alabama landmarks and institutions. Birmingham is home to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Tuscaloosa sits on the Black Warrior River and is home to the University of Alabama.

History of Area Code 205

Area code 205 was one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. At first, it covered the entire state of Alabama. It was Alabama’s only area code during the early years of nationwide direct-dial telephone service.

Area code 205 was reduced several times as Alabama added more phone numbers. Area code 334 split from 205 in 1995, and area code 256 split from 205 in 1998. Area code 659 was added as an overlay to the 205 region in 2019, which means the same geographic area now uses both 205 and 659.

Key Facts About Area Code 205

• Area code 205 is in the state of Alabama, and Birmingham is its best-known city.
• Area code 205 uses the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 205 was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 205 originally covered all of Alabama before later splits created new area codes.
• Area code 334 was split from area code 205 in 1995.
• Area code 256 was split from area code 205 in 1998.
• Area code 659 became an overlay for area code 205 in 2019.
• Area code 205 serves major institutions and landmarks such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 205 in?

Area code 205 is in Alabama.

What major cities use area code 205?

Major cities in area code 205 include Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Bessemer, and Hoover.

Is area code 205 a toll-free number?

No, area code 205 is a geographic area code in Alabama, not a toll-free number.