Charlotte, Michigan
Area code 517
Where Is Area Code 517?
Area code 517 is in south-central Michigan. It serves Lansing and many nearby communities, including Charlotte, the county seat of Eaton County. The area code covers a broad inland region west and south of the Detroit area.
Area code 517 serves major cities such as Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, Charlotte, and Adrian. It also covers parts of several counties in this part of Michigan, including Eaton County, Ingham County, Jackson County, and Lenawee County. Charlotte uses area code 517 for local phone numbers.
This region includes the state capital, Lansing, and Michigan State University in East Lansing. It also includes communities near the Grand River and the agricultural land of south-central Michigan. Charlotte sits southwest of Lansing and is part of the Lansing metropolitan area.
History of Area Code 517
Area code 517 was established in 1947. It was one of the original North American area codes created by AT&T and the Bell System. In its early years, 517 covered a much larger part of Michigan than it does today.
Area code 517 later lost territory through splits as demand for phone numbers grew. In 1997, area code 810 took over part of its former service area, and in 2001, area code 989 was created from another portion of 517. Area code 517 remains a geographic area code, and Michigan approved overlay area code 679 for the same region, with 10-digit dialing required.
Key Facts About Area Code 517
- Area code 517 is a Michigan geographic area code that serves Charlotte, Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, and Adrian.
- Area code 517 was created in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes.
- Charlotte, Michigan, in Eaton County, uses area code 517 for local telephone service.
- Area code 517 is in the Eastern Time Zone, the same time zone used across most of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
- Michigan State University in East Lansing is within the 517 calling region.
- The Michigan state capital, Lansing, is one of the most prominent cities in area code 517.
- Area code 679 overlays area code 517, and 10-digit dialing applies in the 517 region.
- Area code 517 has been reduced in size by past splits, including the creation of area code 989 in 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 517 in?
Area code 517 is in Michigan.
What major cities use area code 517?
Major cities in area code 517 include Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, Charlotte, and Adrian.
Is area code 517 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 517 is a geographic area code.
Last updated: March 2026