The 334 area code is a legitimate telephone area code in the United States, serving the entire southeastern region of Alabama. Its main city and cultural hub is Montgomery, the state capital.
Since its creation in 1995 (split from the original 205 area code), the 334 area code has become synonymous with the state’s “Black Belt” region, the Wiregrass area, and the highly populated college town of Auburn. However, due to the increasing demand for new phone numbers, the 334 area code is undergoing a major change: an overlay with the new 483 area code, which will make ten-digit dialing mandatory across the region.
This guide provides full details on the 334 area code, its geographical coverage, its time zone, and what consumers need to know about the upcoming transition.
334 Area Code: Location and Time Zone
The 334 area code covers a significant portion of the lower and central part of Alabama, excluding the southwestern Mobile area (251) and the central Birmingham area (205).
Primary Location and Time Zone
| Detail | Information |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| Region | Southeastern and Central Alabama |
| Major City | Montgomery (State Capital) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Standard Time | CST (UTC-6) |
| Daylight Time | CDT (UTC-5) |
The 334 area code observes Daylight Saving Time, meaning its time offset shifts between Central Standard Time (CST) in the winter and Central Daylight Time (CDT) in the summer.
Major Cities and Counties Covered by 334
The 334 area code is home to several important metropolitan and county areas:
- Montgomery: The state capital and the largest city within the 334 NPA, covering Montgomery County.
- Auburn & Opelika: Home to Auburn University, covering most of Lee County.
- Dothan: A major commercial and industrial center in the Wiregrass region, covering Houston County.
- Phenix City: Located directly across the border from Columbus, Georgia, covering Russell County.
- Selma: A city of major historical importance in the Civil Rights Movement, covering Dallas County.
- Other Cities: Enterprise, Eufaula, Tuskegee, and Prattville.
The New 483 Area Code Overlay: What You Need to Know
To prevent the exhaustion of available numbers within the 334 region, the Alabama Public Service Commission approved the implementation of a new 483 overlay area code. This is a critical change for all residents and businesses in the 334 area.
What is an Area Code Overlay?
An overlay means that two or more area codes (334 and the new 483) will serve the exact same geographic area. All new phone numbers assigned to the region after the 483 activation date will receive the new 483 area code.
Mandatory Ten-Digit Dialing
The most significant change is the requirement for ten-digit dialing for all calls.
- Before the Overlay: You could dial 7 digits (XXX-XXXX) to reach someone in the same 334 area code.
- After the Overlay: You must dial the area code + 7-digit number (e.g., 334-XXX-XXXX or 483-XXX-XXXX) for all local calls, including calls between two 334 numbers.
| Change Requirement | Target Date |
| Permissive 10-Digit Dialing Begins | July 23, 2025 |
| Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Begins | January 23, 2026 |
| New 483 Area Code Numbers Assigned | February 26, 2026 |
All residents and businesses within the 334 region must reprogram automatic dialing equipment (such as security systems, fax machines, and medical alert devices) to use 10-digit dialing before the mandatory date.
Scam Risk Associated with the 334 Area Code
While 334 is a legitimate US area code and not typically associated with the high-cost international scams seen with Caribbean codes (like 809 or 473), it is heavily used by robocallers and scammers through a technique called “spoofing.”
The 334 area code is consistently ranked among the most frequently reported area codes for spam and unsolicited calls in Alabama.
Why Scammers Use the 334 Area Code
Scammers use “Neighbor Spoofing” to display a number that appears to originate from a local Alabama community. They do this because people are more likely to answer a call that looks familiar (i.e., local to their own area code).
- Scam Type: Robocalls regarding fake auto warranties, IRS debt, or package delivery notifications.
- The Goal: To get you to answer the phone and either engage in a conversation that leads to identity theft or click a fraudulent link in a spam text message.
How to Stay Protected
- Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
- Use Call Blocking Apps: Contact your mobile carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) to enable their free or paid call-blocking services, or download third-party anti-spam apps.
- Register on the DNC List: Ensure your number is registered on the National Do Not Call Registry. While this won’t stop illegal scammers, it helps reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing 334 phone number change?
No. If you currently have a 334 phone number, your number will remain the same. The 483 area code will only be assigned to new lines and services once the existing 334 numbers are exhausted.
Is the 334 area code in the Eastern or Central Time Zone?
The vast majority of the 334 area code is located in the Central Time Zone (CT). However, a small portion of Alabama along the border with Georgia (including the city of Phenix City) has historically observed the Eastern Time Zone (ET). Always verify the time for specific locations near the Georgia border.
When do I have to start dialing 10 digits in the 334 area code?
The requirement to dial 10 digits (area code + number) for all local calls is scheduled to become mandatory starting January 23, 2026, although a permissive dialing period begins several months earlier. You should start practicing 10-digit dialing well before the mandatory date.
