The area code 986 is located in Boise, Idaho.
Area code 986 serves Boise and the entire state of Idaho as a statewide overlay to long-time area code 208. Centered in the Treasure Valley, Boise is the state capital and a major hub for business, state government, and outdoor life along the Boise River. The 986 overlay was introduced in 2017, which also brought 10‑digit dialing for local calls across Idaho. Because it spans all of Idaho, 986 covers both the Mountain and Pacific time zones.
Major cities and communities in area code 986 include:
From a landmarks view, 986 reaches well-known Idaho sights like the Idaho State Capitol and Boise State University’s blue turf, plus natural icons such as Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Lake Coeur d’Alene. The overlay means existing 208 numbers did not change; new phone numbers in Boise and beyond may be assigned either 208 or 986 depending on availability. For anyone dialing within Idaho, using the area code + seven-digit number is now standard.
“Idaho added area code 986 as a statewide overlay to 208 in 2017.” — North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)
Fun fact: Idaho kept a single area code (208) for about 70 years before 986 was added, reflecting steady growth in wireless lines and devices. Today, area code 986 helps ensure a reliable supply of Idaho phone numbers while keeping local communities—from Boise’s Greenbelt to the Panhandle—connected.