Area Code 213 is the telephone area code for the central business district of Los Angeles, California, primarily covering Downtown Los Angeles. The prefix +1 before the (213) indicates the country code for the United States and Canada. Area Code 213 is one of the original area codes created in 1947 and remains one of the most historically significant codes in the state.
This guide will provide a full breakdown of the (213) area code, its geographic boundaries, its relationship with the 323 overlay, and essential information regarding calls received from this prefix.
Where is the (213) Area Code Located?
The +1(213) area code is confined to a very specific, high-density metropolitan area in Southern California.
Primary Location and Geographic Boundaries
The 213 area code is used exclusively within:
- State: California (CA)
- Primary City: Downtown Los Angeles
- Key Areas Covered: The area is geographically small, largely centered on the financial, government, and commercial heart of the city, including areas like Civic Center, Bunker Hill, South Park, and the Arts District.
Due to intense population density and demand for new phone numbers, the 213 code no longer serves the vast Los Angeles basin alone. It operates as part of an overlay with the 323 area code.
The 213/323 Area Code Overlay
In 1998, the growing demand for phone numbers necessitated splitting the original 213 territory. The result was the creation of the 323 area code, which encircles the central 213 zone and covers areas like Hollywood, Koreatown, East Los Angeles, and many other neighborhoods.
Today, new phone lines in the central Los Angeles zone may be assigned either 213 or 323, meaning that residents and businesses within the original territory are required to dial all ten digits (213 or 323 followed by the 7-digit number) even for local calls.
| Area Code | Primary Service Area | Key Characteristic |
| 213 | Downtown Los Angeles (Core) | Historically significant, commercial center. |
| 323 | Hollywood, East LA, Koreatown (Surrounding) | Overlays the 213 zone to provide more numbers. |
History and Context of the 213 Area Code
The 213 area code holds a unique place in U.S. telecommunications history. It was one of the first three original area codes assigned to California in 1947, originally covering all of Southern California.
As the region boomed, the 213 area was split multiple times to create new area codes, including 714 (Orange County) in 1951, 805 (Ventura/Santa Barbara) in 1957, 818 (San Fernando Valley) in 1984, and finally 310 (West LA/South Bay) in 1991, before being reduced to its current core Downtown LA boundaries.
Is +1(213) a Scam-Prone Area Code?
Receiving a call from any unfamiliar number can raise suspicion, and Area Code 213 is often used by large organizations, corporations, and services located in Downtown LA.
While the area code itself is legitimate, its association with a major metropolitan area means it is frequently targeted by spammers and scammers who use sophisticated methods to spoof (fake) the Caller ID.
Protect Yourself Against 213 Spoofing
If you receive an unexpected call from a +1(213) number:
- Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
- Verify the Identity: If the caller claims to be from a bank or government agency (like the IRS), hang up and call the official number back directly from their website. Do not trust the number displayed on your screen.
- Use a Call Blocker: Many mobile carriers offer free or low-cost services to block known spam calls. Alternatively, third-party apps like Nomorobo or YouMail can help filter fraudulent calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 213 the only area code for Los Angeles?
A: No. While 213 covers the core Downtown area, the larger metropolitan region of Los Angeles is covered by several area codes, including 323 (which overlays 213), 310/424 (West LA/South Bay), and 818/747 (San Fernando Valley).
Q: Do I need to dial a 1 when calling a 213 number?
A: For most mobile phones, you do not need to manually dial the +1 (country code) when calling a 213 number within the United States. However, because 213 is part of an overlay, you must always dial the 10-digit number (e.g., 213-XXX-XXXX) even if it’s a local call.
Q: What time zone is the 213 area code in?
A: The 213 area code is located entirely in Pacific Time (PT), which observes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) during the summer months (UTC-7) and Pacific Standard Time (PST) during the winter months (UTC-8).
Conclusion
The +1(213) area code is the legendary original number prefix for Downtown Los Angeles, California.
While geographically small, it represents the historic and commercial center of the city and is always used in conjunction with the 323 overlay. If you receive a call from this prefix, remember that it is a legitimate U.S. number, but always remain cautious of potential spoofing attempts.
