Columbia, South Carolina

Where Is Area Code 803?

Area code 803 is in central South Carolina. It serves Columbia and a broad part of the Midlands region of the state. This is a geographic area code, not a toll-free code.

Major cities in area code 803 include Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter, Lancaster, and Aiken. The area code also covers many smaller communities across central South Carolina. Counties served include Richland and Lexington, which form the core of the Columbia metro area.

Notable places in the 803 region include the South Carolina State House in Columbia and the University of South Carolina. The Congaree River runs through Columbia, and Congaree National Park lies southeast of the city. Fort Jackson, the U.S. Army’s largest basic combat training installation, is also in the Columbia area.

History of Area Code 803

Area code 803 is one of the original area codes created in 1947 under the North American Numbering Plan. It originally covered the entire state of South Carolina. That made 803 the first statewide telephone area code for South Carolina.

Area code 864 split from 803 in 1995 to serve the Upstate. Area code 843 split from 803 in 1998 to serve the coastal part of the state, including Charleston. Area code 839 was added as an overlay to 803 in 2020, which means the same geographic area now uses both 803 and 839.

Key Facts About Area Code 803

• Area code 803 serves central South Carolina, with Columbia as its best-known major city.
• Area code 803 is in the Eastern Time Zone and follows Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.
• Area code 803 is an original North American area code that was established in 1947.
• Area code 803 originally covered all of South Carolina before splits created area codes 864 in 1995 and 843 in 1998.
• Area code 839 is an overlay for the same region as 803, and the overlay took effect in 2020.
• The 803 area includes the University of South Carolina in Columbia, the state’s flagship public university.
• The 803 area includes Fort Jackson near Columbia, a major U.S. Army training base.
• The Columbia area in 803 sits near the confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers, which form the Congaree River.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 803 in?

Area code 803 is in South Carolina.

What major cities use area code 803?

Major cities in area code 803 include Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter, Lancaster, and Aiken.

Is area code 803 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 803 is a geographic area code for central South Carolina.