Where is Area Code 771?
Area code 771 covers the entirety of Washington, DC, the capital of the United States. Implemented as an overlay for the historic 202 area code, 771 serves every neighborhood, government building, and business in the District of Columbia. Both 771 and 202 now coexist, and new phone numbers can be assigned either code in the same geographic region. The overlay ensures sufficient numbering resources for residents, tourists, and government institutions within this vibrant city. Oversight of telecommunications in DC is provided by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia:
1325 G Street N.W., Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005
- Phone: 202-626-5100
- Phone: 202-393-1389
- E-mail: OCMS@psc.dc.gov
What time zone is 771 area code in the USA?
Area code 771—like all of Washington, DC—operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). Standard Time is observed from early November through mid-March, and Daylight Saving Time applies from mid-March through early November, in line with nationwide regulations. Further details on time zone regulations and official guidance may be found on the National Institute of Standards and Technology website.
History of the 771 Area Code
The original 202 area code is one of the earliest codes established in the United States, dating back to 1947. For decades, 202 was synonymous with the nation’s capital. However, the growth of government agencies, private businesses, and personal communication devices led to an increased demand for phone numbers in DC. To solve this, area code 771 was introduced as an overlay, allowing both codes to be assigned to new numbers without changing anyone’s existing 202 number. The overlay was coordinated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) and approved by the DC Public Service Commission. As a result, ten-digit dialing is now mandatory for all local calls within Washington, DC.
How Many People Use the 771 Area Code?
Washington, DC is home to over 700,000 residents and thousands of organizations, agencies, and embassies. While most long-term residents and establishments still use their original 202 numbers, newly assigned numbers—especially for mobile devices, businesses, and government departments—may feature the 771 area code. The overlay ensures that demand for new phone lines is met as the population grows and as more devices require unique numbers. Up-to-date statistics and number availability are managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.
Is the 771 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 771 area code is not toll-free; it is a geographic area code tied specifically to Washington, DC. Calls to numbers beginning with 771 are billed at local or long-distance rates, depending on your service provider and call origin. Toll-free US area codes always start with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. If you need information about toll-free calling or to check if a number is toll-free, refer to the FCC’s guide on toll-free numbers, or by address:
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554
- Phone: 1-888-225-5322
- Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
- Fax: 1-866-418-0232