The area code 334 is a geographic area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the southeastern region of Alabama. It is historically significant as one of the first interchangeable area codes created in the state, and it continues to be the primary area code for Alabama’s capital and several major university towns.
If you have received a call from a number beginning with (334), it is originating from a large, diverse region centered on the political, agricultural, and educational hubs of Alabama.
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Location and Time Zone of Area Code 334
Area code 334 covers approximately 32 counties in central and southeastern Alabama.
| Feature | Detail |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| Region | Southeastern and Central Alabama |
| Major Cities | Montgomery (State Capital), Auburn, Dothan |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
Time Zone Details
The 334 area code is located entirely within the Central Time Zone (CT).
- Standard Time: Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6:00.
- Daylight Saving Time: Central Daylight Time (CDT), which is UTC-5:00 (observed from March to November).
When calling the 334 area code from the U.S. East Coast (EST), the time difference is one hour.
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Major Cities and Regions Covered by 334
The 334 area code is a large geographic region that includes several of Alabama’s most important metropolitan and regional centers:
- Montgomery: The state capital, known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and as a center for state government and major employers like Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
- Auburn: A major college town, home to Auburn University.
- Dothan: A major industrial and agricultural center in the Wiregrass region, often called the “Peanut Capital of the World.”
- Other Notable Cities: Opelika, Phenix City (on the border of Columbus, GA), Prattville, Enterprise, Eufaula, and Selma.
History and the New 483 Overlay
Area code 334 was introduced in 1995 as a split from the original 205 area code (Birmingham area). However, due to continued demand, the 334 region has already been split once (creating the 251 area code for the Mobile area in 2001).
Due to the impending exhaustion of available numbers, the area code is preparing for a new overlay:
- New Overlay Code: The new area code 483 was approved in March 2024 to overlay the existing 334 region.
- Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: To accommodate both the 334 and 483 codes (which will serve the same region), all calls within the area will eventually require 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit number).
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Neighboring Area Codes
The 334 area code shares borders with several other area codes in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, underscoring its significant geographic reach:
- To the North: 205/659 (Birmingham) and 256/938 (Huntsville).
- To the West: 251 (Mobile).
- To the East: 706/762 and 229 in Georgia.
- To the South: 850 in the Florida Panhandle (Tallahassee).
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Scam Risk and Safety
The 334 area code is a standard geographic area code and is not inherently scam-prone. However, phone number spoofing is a universal threat.
- Spoofing: Scammers can fake their caller ID to display a local number like (334) XXX-XXXX to gain your trust.
- Safety Advice: If you receive an unsolicited call from an unknown 334 number—especially one claiming to be from a government agency or demanding immediate payment—be cautious. Never give out personal or financial information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 334 area code a toll-free number?
No. The 334 area code is a standard, local geographic area code. Toll-free numbers in the U.S. begin with prefixes like 800, 888, or 877.
Do I have to dial 10 digits to call within the 334 area code?
Yes, eventually you will. With the upcoming introduction of the 483 overlay area code, 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit number) will become mandatory for all calls within the 334 region to ensure that the telephone network can differentiate between numbers using the 334 code and those using the new 483 code.
When did the 334 area code start?
The 334 area code was created on January 15, 1995, as the first new area code assigned to Alabama since the nationwide area code system was established in 1947.
