Washington DC
Area Codes 202 & 771
Calling the nation's capital? Use area code 202 or the new 771. Connect securely to government offices, businesses, and residents in Washington D.C. directly from your browser.
How to Call Washington D.C.
Since the introduction of the 771 overlay in 2021, 10-digit dialing is mandatory in the District.
Country Code
If calling from outside the US, dial +1. From within the US, dial 1 before the area code if calling from a landline.
Area Code (202/771)
Dial 202 or 771. Both codes cover the same geographic area (the entire District).
Phone Number
Dial the 7-digit subscriber number.
Example: +1 202 555 0199
The 771 Overlay
For decades, 202 was the only code for DC. In November 2021, the 771 area code was added as an overlay because 202 numbers were running out. This means your neighbor might have a 202 number while you have a 771 number.
DC Neighborhood Guide
All locations within the District use 202 or 771.
| Neighborhood | Area Codes |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Federal Triangle | 202 / 771 |
| Capitol Hill | 202 / 771 |
| Georgetown | 202 / 771 |
| Dupont Circle | 202 / 771 |
| Adams Morgan | 202 / 771 |
| Neighborhood | Area Codes |
|---|---|
| Foggy Bottom | 202 / 771 |
| Navy Yard | 202 / 771 |
| Columbia Heights | 202 / 771 |
| Anacostia | 202 / 771 |
| Cleveland Park | 202 / 771 |
Secure Calls to the
Nation's Capital
StartACall provides a secure, encrypted connection for calling Washington D.C. Whether you are contacting a government agency, a lobbyist, or a local business, your call quality and privacy are our priority.
- Connect to 202 and 771 numbers instantly
- High-definition voice clarity
- No app download required
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
Government
Reliable connection for reaching federal agencies.
Business
Crystal clear audio for professional calls.
Encrypted
WebRTC encryption ensures your conversation stays private.
Instant
No registration delays. Dial and talk immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 202 and 771?
There is no geographic difference. 202 is the original area code for DC, while 771 is the new overlay code added in 2021. Both cover the entire District of Columbia.
Is Washington DC a state for calling purposes?
For calling purposes, DC functions like a state with its own area codes. It is not part of Maryland (240/301) or Virginia (703/571), although those area codes are often found in the metro area.
Do I need to dial 1 before 202?
If calling from a US landline outside of DC, yes. If calling from a mobile phone or via StartACall, you can usually dial 202 or +1 202 directly.
Can I call the White House?
Public switchboard numbers for government institutions like the White House or Congress use the 202 area code. You can dial these numbers using StartACall just like any other number.
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