If you are investigating the 817 area code, you are looking at the foundational telephone identifier for the western half of the massive Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Area Code 817 is the primary telephone area code for the Fort Worth metropolitan area in Texas, USA. It covers Fort Worth, Arlington, and the majority of Tarrant County and surrounding counties. Due to rapid growth, the 817 area code now operates under an overlay with the 682 area code, which makes 10-digit dialing mandatory for all calls.
This comprehensive guide details the geographical coverage, explains the required dialing rules, and provides essential information on its time zone and high-volume spam risk.
Area Code 817 Location and Coverage
The 817 area code was created in 1953 from a split of the original 915 area code. It has since become the symbol of the “Cowtown” culture in the Western DFW Metroplex.
Key Facts About 817
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, Texas, USA |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – UTC-6:00 (Observes Daylight Saving Time) |
| Key Counties | Tarrant, Parker, Hood, and Johnson. |
| Overlay Code | 682 (Added in 2000; covers the same area as 817) |
Major Cities Served by 817 and 682
The 817 and 682 area codes cover the entire western portion of the DFW Metroplex, including:
- Fort Worth (The core city)
- Arlington (Home to the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys stadiums)
- North Richland Hills
- Grapevine
- Mansfield
- Cleburne
- Weatherford
The 682 Overlay and Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
The 682 area code was implemented in the year 2000 as an all-services overlay to meet the continuing demand for phone numbers in the 817 region.
- Overlay Rule: Both 817 and 682 prefixes serve the entire geographical area of the former 817 NPA. New customers and new lines will be assigned a number with either prefix.
- Mandatory Dialing: The introduction of the overlay required the entire region to switch to mandatory 10-digit dialing. You must always dial the Area Code (817 or 682) + the 7-digit local number for all local calls.
Scam and Safety Risk in the 817 Area
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is one of the most highly targeted areas in the country for phone scams, and the 817 area code is a frequent victim of number spoofing.
- Neighbor Spoofing: Scammers, often operating from large, international call centers, specifically spoof 817 and 682 numbers to deceive residents into answering a seemingly “local” call.
- Common Scams: Consumers in the 817 area are highly targeted by scams related to vehicle warranties, Social Security/IRS threats, and other financial phishing attempts.
Safety Tip: If you receive an unsolicited call from an unknown 817 or 682 number, do not answer it. If a legitimate contact needs to reach you, they will leave a voicemail or use a trusted method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between area codes 817 and 214?
The 817/682 complex covers the Western DFW Metroplex (Fort Worth), while the 214/469/972 complex covers the Eastern DFW Metroplex (Dallas). While the two service areas meet and overlap in some communities (like Dallas and Denton counties), they primarily distinguish the Fort Worth side from the Dallas side.
Is the 817 area code in the Central Time Zone?
Yes. The 817 area code is located in the Central Time Zone (CT). It observes Central Daylight Time (CDT) during the summer and Central Standard Time (CST) during the winter.
Can I still dial 7 digits for local calls in Fort Worth?
No. Because of the 682 overlay, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 817/682 region. A 7-digit dial will fail.
Conclusion
The Area Code 817 remains the classic telephone prefix for the Fort Worth region of North Texas. When placing a call, remember that the 10-digit dialing rule is mandatory due to the 682 overlay. Be highly vigilant against the persistent threat of scam and spam calls that often spoof this well-known area code.
