Boise, Idaho

Where Is Area Code 986?

Area code 986 is in southwestern Idaho, including Boise and nearby communities in the Treasure Valley. It serves the same broad region as area code 208 because 986 is an overlay. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved 986 to cover all of Idaho.

Boise is the largest city linked with area code 986. Other cities in the 208 and 986 service area include Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston. Because 986 overlays 208 statewide, it can appear anywhere in Idaho, not only in Boise.

The area includes well-known Idaho places such as the Boise River and the foothills around Boise. In Boise, major landmarks include the Idaho State Capitol and Boise State University. The service area also extends far beyond Boise to the mountains, plains, and river valleys across the state.

History of Area Code 986

Area code 986 was established as a new overlay for Idaho after long use of area code 208. Area code 208 is one of the original North American area codes created in 1947, and it served all of Idaho for decades. As demand for new phone numbers grew, Idaho added 986 as its second area code.

Area code 986 officially entered service in 2017 as an overlay for the entire state of Idaho. Because it is an overlay, no geographic split happened between Boise and other parts of the state. The change also required 10-digit dialing for local calls in Idaho.

Key Facts About Area Code 986

• Area code 986 is in the state of Idaho, and Boise is the largest city commonly associated with it.
• Area code 986 uses the Mountain Time Zone in Boise and much of southern Idaho, while parts of northern Idaho use Pacific Time.
• Area code 986 is an overlay area code that covers the same statewide territory as area code 208.
• Area code 986 began service in 2017 after Idaho needed more telephone numbers.
• Area code 208, the area code overlaid by 986, has served Idaho since 1947.
• Boise State University, the Idaho State Capitol, and the Boise River are notable institutions and landmarks in Boise within the 208 and 986 calling area.
• Area code 986 is a geographic area code for Idaho, not a toll-free code.
• Idaho had an estimated population of about 1.9 million in the 2020 United States Census, and area code 986 can be assigned anywhere in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 986 in?

Area code 986 is in Idaho.

What major cities use area code 986?

Major cities in the 986 overlay area include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston.

Is area code 986 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 986 is a geographic area code for Idaho.