Area code 202 serves Washington in District of Columbia. It is a geographic code in the Eastern Time time zone.
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Area Code 202 (Washington, DC): What Is It and Where Does It Apply?
202 is the original area code for Washington, DC—assigned in 1947 and strongly associated with the city’s identity. In 2021, the 771 overlay was introduced to ensure enough numbers for residents and businesses as demand grew. 
Why Did DC Add the 771 Overlay to 202?
With 202 nearing number exhaustion, regulators approved an overlay (adding numbers without changing existing ones) rather than carving up the city. 771 began rolling out in 2021 following a 13-month implementation plan approved by DC’s Public Service Commission and NANPA. 
What Were the Key Dates and Dialing Changes for 202/771?
- April 10, 2021 – Oct 9, 2021: Permissive period; 7- or 10-digit local dialing both worked.
- October 9, 2021: Mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local DC calls.
- November 8–9, 2021: First 771 central-office codes assigned.
Existing 202 numbers remained unchanged; new lines may receive 771. 
What Cultural or Local Significance Does 202 Have?
The 202 area code is a recognizable emblem of DC; city agencies, media, and residents often use “202” as shorthand for the nation’s capital. The PSC highlights 202’s long-standing place in local identity.
What time is it in area code 202 right now?
Washington
District of Columbia
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Major Cities in 202
Here are notable cities served by this area code. Click through for local details.
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United States
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Canada
Toll-Free Area Codes
800
Toll-FreeLegacy toll-free code. Variants include 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, 822.
View detailsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I find which city an area code belongs to?
Use the search box above to enter the code (e.g., 415) or a city/state name. Click a result to see a list of covered cities and overlays.
What does "overlay" mean?
An overlay introduces one or more new area codes for the same geographic region to prevent number exhaustion—residents can keep their current numbers while new numbers get the new codes.
Are toll-free numbers tied to a location?
No. Toll-free area codes (like 800 and 888) route to businesses and services and aren't tied to a particular city or state.