If you are investigating the 761 area code, the immediate answer is that this prefix is not currently active or assigned to any geographic location in the United States or Canada.
However, Area Code 761 has been officially designated as the future overlay area code for the 502 region of Kentucky, which encompasses the Louisville metropolitan area and north-central Kentucky. This new code is expected to be phased in starting in 2027 to ensure a continued supply of phone numbers.
This comprehensive guide details the future location and status of the 761 area code, explains the coming dialing changes, and provides essential information on scam risks associated with unassigned codes.
The Future Location of Area Code 761
The 761 area code will serve the exact same region as the 502 area code, covering north-central Kentucky. The decision to introduce 761 as an overlay was approved by the Kentucky Public Service Commission in August 2025.
Key Facts About the 761 Overlay
| Detail | Information |
| Current Status | Unassigned (Not yet active for number assignment) |
| Future Location | North-Central Kentucky, USA |
| Base Code | 502 (Louisville, Frankfort, Shelbyville) |
| Estimated Activation | 2027 (Once 502 numbers are exhausted) |
| Mandatory Dialing | 10-Digit Dialing (Will be required for all calls in the 502/761 region) |
Major Cities in the Future 761 Service Area
Once activated, the 761 area code will be assigned to customers in all communities currently using 502, including:
- Louisville (The core metropolitan area)
- Frankfort (State Capital)
- Elizabethtown
- Shelbyville
Dialing Changes for the 502/761 Region
The introduction of the 761 overlay will necessitate a major change in how residents of north-central Kentucky dial local calls.
- 10-Digit Dialing: When the new code is fully implemented, 10-digit dialing will be mandatory for all calls. You will need to dial the Area Code (502 or 761) + the 7-digit local number, even if the call is placed locally between two 502 numbers.
- Existing Customers: Anyone who already has a 502 number will keep it. Only new customers or customers adding a new line will be assigned a 761 number after the existing 502 inventory is depleted.
Scam and Safety Risk from the 761 Area Code
Since the 761 area code is not yet active for general use, any call appearing from 761-XXX-XXXX today is using a spoofed (fake) number.
- Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers frequently use non-existent or reserved area codes like 761 to evade spam filters, hoping the recipient answers a number they don’t recognize.
- Risk: The call is a definitive attempt at fraud, likely aiming for tech support scams, arrest threats, or phishing for personal information.
Safety Tip: Do not answer any call from a number that begins with the 761 area code until it has been officially activated by telecommunication authorities (estimated 2027). Legitimate businesses cannot use this prefix today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the time zone for the 761 area code?
The 761 area will primarily fall within the Eastern Time Zone (ET), consistent with Louisville and most of north-central Kentucky. However, the western and southern parts of Kentucky use the 270/364 area codes and fall under the Central Time Zone (CT).
When will 10-digit dialing become mandatory in Louisville?
The exact date for mandatory 10-digit dialing in the 502 region will be announced by the Public Service Commission closer to the 2027 activation date of the 761 overlay. Residents will be given several months of permissive dialing before it becomes required.
Is the area code 761 in the NANP?
Yes. Area code 761 is part of the North American Numbering Plan, assigned for future use in the US.
Conclusion
The Area Code 761 is Kentucky’s future overlay for the 502 region (Louisville). While it should be ignored if it appears on your phone today, its arrival in 2027 will necessitate a change to mandatory 10-digit dialing for all residents in north-central Kentucky.
