The 957 area code serves the central and northwestern regions of New Mexico, including the major cities of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Farmington. It operates as an overlay for the original 505 area code, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 957 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the history behind its creation, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this part of New Mexico.
Where is the 957 Area Code Located?
The 957 area code is located in central and northwestern New Mexico. It was introduced to provide new phone numbers for the region originally covered solely by the 505 area code. Think of 957 and 505 as two area codes sharing the same map.
- State: New Mexico
- Major Cities: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Farmington
- Time Zone: Mountain Time Zone (observing Mountain Standard Time, MST, and Mountain Daylight Time, MDT).
The introduction of 957 did not change any existing phone numbers; it simply added a new source of numbers for new customers and lines.
What Cities and Counties Use the 957 Area Code?
The 957 area code, along with 505, covers a large and culturally rich portion of New Mexico. If you have a number with this area code, it is located in or around one of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 957:
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe (the state capital)
- Rio Rancho
- Farmington
- Gallup
- Los Lunas
Major Counties Served:
The area includes all or parts of Bernalillo, Santa Fe, San Juan, Sandoval, McKinley, Valencia, Cibola, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and Torrance counties.
History of the 957 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 505 area code was one of the original area codes created in 1947 and originally covered the entire state of New Mexico. Over the decades, as the population and demand for phone numbers grew, the 505 region was eventually reduced to its current size.
By the early 2020s, the 505 area was once again facing number exhaustion. To solve this, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission approved an overlay plan. The new 957 area code was officially put into service on October 7, 2023.
What is 10-Digit Dialing?
A key result of an overlay plan is the implementation of mandatory 10-digit dialing. Because two different area codes exist in the same location, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. This applies whether you are calling a 957 number or a 505 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 957 and 505?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties in New Mexico. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 957 numbers were issued to new customers starting in late 2023.
If I have a 505 number, will it change to 957?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have a 505 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 957?
The 957 area code is in the Mountain Time Zone. It observes Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) and Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-6) during the summer months.
Is the 957 area code a scam?
No, 957 is a legitimate and official area code for central and northwestern New Mexico. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 957 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 957 area code is an overlay that serves the same region as the 505 area code in New Mexico, including the state’s largest city, Albuquerque, and its capital, Santa Fe. The presence of both area codes makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls. It stands as a modern solution to the growing demand for phone numbers in one of the most populous regions of the state.
