Frequently Asked Questions
Area code 804 covers Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, and surrounding towns in central Virginia. It also includes Chesterfield and Henrico counties, as well as the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions, excluding Gloucester and Mathews counties.
Dial 1 + the 10-digit number (1 + 804 + seven-digit local number). Remember that long-distance charges may apply depending on your calling plan.
10-digit dialing became mandatory in October 2021 to accommodate the national implementation of 988 as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This change ensures consistent dialing procedures across all area codes.
Area code 686 is the overlay for 804, meaning both area codes serve the same geographic region. New numbers may be assigned either 804 or 686 due to the limited availability of 804 prefixes.
Always use 10-digit dialing (area code + local number) for all calls to and from area code 804, even for local calls within the same area code. This became mandatory in 2021.
Area code 804 was created in 1973 from area code 703. Parts of 804 were later split off to form area codes 757 in 1996 and 434 in 2001, before 686 was added as an overlay in 2024.
Area code 804 includes Chesterfield County, Henrico County, and Powhatan County, among others, in central Virginia. It also covers parts of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
No, 7-digit dialing is no longer permitted for area code 804. 10-digit dialing (area code + local number) became mandatory in October 2021 for all calls.
Dial 0 + the 10-digit number (0 + area code + local number). Additional charges typically apply for operator-assisted calls.
Richmond, Virginia is primarily covered by area code 804, but new numbers may also be assigned area code 686, which is the overlay for the same geographic region.
Area Code 804: Coverage, Cities, and Usage in Virginia
The 804 area code serves central Virginia, including the state capital Richmond and surrounding communities. This guide covers where area code 804 is located, which cities and counties it includes, dialing procedures, the 686 overlay, and essential telecommunications information for residents and businesses in the Richmond metro area.
What is Area Code 804?
Area code 804 is a telephone area code serving east-central Virginia within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Created on June 24, 1973, when it split from area code 703, the 804 area code connects individuals, businesses, and government agencies across central Virginia. If you're wondering "where is 804 area code located," it primarily covers the Richmond metropolitan area and extends to the Northern Neck region.
The NANP uses a standardized 10-digit format structured as NPA-NXX-XXXX, where:
Like all NANP area codes, 804 follows specific formatting rules: the first digit must be 2–9 (not 0 or 1), and the middle digit cannot be 9 (reserved for future expansion). This structure ensures efficient call routing.
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Where is 804 Area Code Located? Coverage Map & Cities
The 804 area code location covers central Virginia, anchored by Richmond and extending through urban and rural communities. This includes the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. The coverage area serves approximately 1.68 million people (2020 U.S. Census) across 90 cities and 31 counties. While the two southernmost counties on the Middle Peninsula (Gloucester and Mathews) are geographically part of Hampton Roads, they use 804/686 area codes rather than the 757/948 codes covering the rest of Hampton Roads.
Notable cities and counties within area code 804 include:
Complete County List
The 31 counties covered by area code 804 include: Richmond City, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Prince George, Petersburg City, Goochland, Gloucester, Hopewell City, Caroline, Essex, Richmond County, King William, Lancaster, Middlesex, Westmoreland, Northumberland, Dinwiddie, Charles City, Mathews, Cumberland, Powhatan, King and Queen, Sussex, New Kent, Fluvanna, Amelia, Brunswick, King George, Spotsylvania, and Buckingham.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 – Population data; NANPA – Coverage area
Visualizing the 804 Area Code Coverage Map
View official area code maps through the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) at www.nanpa.com/resources/area-code-maps. These maps show the precise geographic boundaries of area code 804 and its 686 overlay. The Virginia State Corporation Commission provides additional coverage information at www.scc.virginia.gov.
Use interactive mapping tools at AllAreaCodes.com and similar telecommunications sites to zoom in and verify whether a specific location falls within the 804 area code.
How Do You Dial 804 Area Code Numbers?
Understanding dialing procedures for area code 804 ensures seamless communication. Here are the scenarios you'll encounter:
Local Calls within Area Code 804
Dial the full 10-digit number (area code + local number) for all calls within the 804 area code. This practice, known as 10-digit dialing, became mandatory on October 24, 2021, to support the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. All phone service and text providers completed the transition on July 16, 2022, directing 988 calls and texts to the crisis line.
Example: To call 804-555-0123 from within the 804/686 region, dial all 10 digits: 804-555-0123
Note: In Virginia's 804 area code region specifically, 10-digit dialing was already required as of July 2022 in preparation for the 686 overlay implementation.
Source: FCC 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Federal Communications Commission
Toll Calls to Area Code 804
When placing a toll call to the 804 area code from outside the area, dial 1 + the 10-digit number (1 + area code + local number). Toll charges may apply depending on your long-distance calling plan.
Rate Centers: Rate centers determine toll call boundaries. These geographic areas, defined by local exchange carriers (LECs), establish local calling zones. Calls within a rate center are local, while calls between different rate centers may incur toll charges. The 804 area code includes numerous rate centers including Richmond, Petersburg, Mechanicsville, and Ashland. Whether a call is local or toll depends on the rate center assignments of both numbers, not just the area codes.
Source: Local Calling Guide – Rate center information
Operator-Assisted Calls
For operator-assisted calls to the 804 area code, dial 0 + the 10-digit number (0 + area code + local number). Operator-assisted calls typically incur additional charges.
804 Area Code History: Splits and Changes
Area code 804 has undergone several splits and adjustments to meet growing demand for telephone numbers. This context helps you understand the current telecommunications landscape.
June 24, 1973: Area code 804 split from area code 703, which originally covered a much larger portion of Virginia. The permissive dialing period ended January 1, 1974. Originally, 804 stretched across the eastern two-thirds of the state, from Danville to the Eastern Shore. C&P Telephone (now part of Verizon) influenced the split decision to prevent federal agencies in Northern Virginia from changing their numbers. This split addressed the projected exhaustion of 703 numbering resources due to population growth and increasing telephone adoption.
July 1, 1996: The eastern part of 804 territory, including most of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore, received the new area code 757. This split addressed population growth and increasing demand in the rapidly expanding Hampton Roads metropolitan area.
June 1, 2001: The western portion of 804, including Danville, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville, became area code 434. The Virginia State Corporation Commission announced this split in December 2000 because central office prefixes would deplete by April 2002. This reflected continued growth and proliferation of telecommunications devices including cell phones, pagers, and fax machines.
October 24, 2021: Mandatory 10-digit dialing was implemented nationwide to support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
November 2022: The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved area code 686 as an overlay to 804.
February 1, 2024: Area code 686 launched as an overlay to 804, serving the same geographic region. Customers requesting new service or additional phone lines could receive the 686 area code starting this date, though actual assignment began after all 804 numbers were exhausted (projected for Q3 2024). This overlay addressed the projected exhaustion of available 804 prefixes. As of early 2025, 94% of the 800 available prefixes in area code 804 have been assigned, with 752 prefixes active.
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Telecommunications Providers Serving 804 Area Code
Several major telecommunications providers operate within area code 804, offering a range of services to both residential and business customers. Key providers include:
Major Providers and Contact Information
Verizon
Lumen (formerly CenturyLink)
AT&T
Comcast Xfinity
VoIP and Alternative Providers
When selecting a provider, evaluate coverage quality in your location, service reliability, pricing plans, customer service ratings, and bundled service options (phone, internet, television).
Source: Provider websites and public service announcements from Virginia State Corporation Commission
Area Code 804 Regulations and Oversight
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) manages and oversees the North American Numbering Plan. The 1996 Telecommunications Act granted the FCC exclusive jurisdiction over phone numbering plans in the states. From this authority, the FCC created NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator).
At the state level, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) implements, regulates, and conserves area codes within the Commonwealth. For questions about area code exhaust relief cases or telecommunications regulation in Virginia, contact:
Virginia State Corporation Commission Division of Public Utility Regulation
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Frequently Asked Questions About 804 Area Code
Common questions about area code 804:
Where is 804 area code located?
The 804 area code is located in central Virginia, primarily serving Richmond (the state capital) and surrounding communities. The coverage extends across 90 cities and 31 counties in east-central Virginia, including Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Hanover County, Petersburg, Mechanicsville, and the Northern Neck region.
What cities are in the 804 area code?
Area code 804 includes major cities like Richmond (the state capital), Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Mechanicsville, as well as numerous smaller cities, towns, and communities in central Virginia. The coverage extends to 90 cities and 31 counties, including Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Hanover County, and the Northern Neck region.
Is area code 804 toll-free?
No. Calls to and from 804 may incur charges depending on your calling plan. Toll-free area codes in North America include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
How do I dial an 804 area code number?
For local calls within the 804/686 area codes, dial the full 10-digit number (area code + local number). For long-distance calls from outside the area, dial 1 + the 10-digit number. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory on October 24, 2021.
What is the 686 overlay area code for 804?
Area code 686 is the overlay for 804, approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission in November 2022 and implemented on February 1, 2024. Both 804 and 686 serve the same geographic area, and you'll encounter numbers with either area code. The overlay addressed the exhaustion of available phone numbers in 804.
When will I start seeing 686 area code numbers?
Area code 686 became available on February 1, 2024. Assignment of 686 numbers to new customers began after all available 804 numbers were exhausted, projected for Q3 2024. New phone numbers in the region now receive either 804 or 686.
Do I need to change my existing 804 phone number?
No. If you currently have an 804 area code phone number, you will keep it. The 686 overlay only affects new phone number assignments. Existing customers retain their current 804 numbers and do not need to make any changes.
What should I do to prepare for the 686 overlay?
Always dial 10 digits (area code + phone number) for all local calls within the 804/686 region. Update any auto-dialers, fax machines, alarm systems, security systems, gate access systems, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and other equipment programmed with 7-digit numbers to use 10-digit dialing. Store all contacts in your phone with the full 10-digit format. Update business stationery, advertising materials, contact forms, and websites to show 10-digit numbers. Test all automated systems to ensure they function properly.
Can I text a number with area code 804?
Yes. Send text messages (SMS) to any 804 area code phone number just as you would call it. Use the full 10-digit number (804 + 7-digit number) when texting. Standard text messaging rates apply based on your mobile plan. Both mobile phones and some landlines with text-enabled features can receive texts.
How do I get an 804 area code phone number for my business?
Contact telecommunications providers serving central Virginia to request an 804 area code number: Verizon (1-800-837-4966), AT&T (1-800-288-2020), Comcast, or Lumen. You can obtain local numbers for landlines, VoIP services, or mobile lines. New numbers may receive the 686 overlay code instead of 804, depending on availability. Both codes serve the same geographic region and provide the same local presence. The process involves:
Can I keep my 804 number if I move within Virginia?
Yes. Federal regulations under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 allow you to port (transfer) your 804 phone number to a new service provider within the same rate center. Contact your new provider to initiate number porting. The process takes 1–7 business days and should not interrupt service if properly coordinated. Restrictions may apply if you move far outside the original 804 coverage area or to a different rate center. Number porting is free or has minimal fees ($5–$20) – verify costs with your new provider. Do not cancel your old service until the port completes.
What time zone is area code 804?
Area code 804 operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is UTC-5 during Eastern Standard Time (EST) and UTC-4 during Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Virginia observes daylight saving time, moving clocks forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall.
Are there scams associated with 804 area code numbers?
Yes. Scammers spoof 804 numbers using caller ID manipulation. The 804 area code experiences high volumes of robocalls and scam attempts, with neighbor spoofing (displaying numbers with your local area code) being particularly common. Never provide personal information, financial details, Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, or sensitive information to unsolicited callers, even if they display a local 804 number. Legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand immediate payment, threaten legal action over the phone, or request sensitive information via unsolicited calls.
Protection measures:
Note: Under the Truth in Caller ID Act, illegally spoofing caller ID with intent to defraud is punishable by fines up to $10,000 per violation. However, legitimate spoofing exists (e.g., doctors displaying office numbers from personal phones).
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Can I use VoIP services with an 804 area code?
Yes. Many VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers offer 804 area code numbers for residential and business use. VoIP services let you make and receive calls using an internet connection instead of traditional phone lines. Benefits include lower costs, flexibility to use numbers anywhere with internet access, and advanced features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and virtual receptionists. Popular VoIP providers serving the 804 region include RingCentral, Vonage, Nextiva, and Grasshopper.
How do I dial an 804 number from outside the United States?
To call an 804 area code number from outside the United States, dial your country's international access code (often 00 or +), then the U.S. country code (1), followed by the 10-digit number. Format: +1-804-XXX-XXXX or 00-1-804-XXX-XXXX (depending on your country's international dialing prefix). International calling rates apply and vary by carrier and country.
Conclusion: Navigating Area Code 804 with Confidence
Area code 804 is an integral part of Virginia's communication network. Understanding its coverage, dialing procedures, history, and telecommunications landscape helps you navigate communication in central Virginia with confidence. Always use 10-digit dialing for all calls within the 804/686 overlay region, and expect to encounter numbers with either area code. Consult the resources in this guide for more information, or contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission for regulatory questions.
References and Additional Resources
Regulatory Authorities
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) FCC Homepage FCC 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline FCC Spoofing Guide FCC Robocalls Authority: Federal oversight of North American Numbering Plan
North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) NANPA Homepage NANPA Area Code Maps Authority: Administrator of area code assignments and numbering resources
Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) SCC Homepage Area Code Relief Measures Contact: 804-371-9611 (local) or 1-800-552-7945 (toll-free in Virginia, Option 4) Authority: State-level telecommunications regulation and area code implementation
Key Dates and Regulatory Actions
Related Virginia Area Codes
Last Updated: January 15, 2025 Regulatory Compliance: All information current as of publication date. For the most current regulatory information, contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission or visit www.scc.virginia.gov.