Area code 205 covers Birmingham and surrounding areas in Alabama. It is one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T in 1947. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 659. For the full picture, see all Alabama area codes.
| State | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Birmingham |
| Cities also served | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Northport, Alabaster, Jasper, Vestavia Hills |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | January 1, 1947 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | Yes |
| Overlay codes | 659 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 205
Area code 205 serves Birmingham metropolitan area and west-central Alabama, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Blount, Bibb, Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, and Winston counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Bessemer
- Northport
- Alabaster
- Jasper
- Vestavia Hills
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 334, 256, 251, 659, 938.
How to Get a 205 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 205 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 205 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 205 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 205 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 205 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 205 number. If you already have a 205 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of Alabama sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 205 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 205 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 205 numbers for Birmingham, Alabama — choose your number, port it to any carrier in 3–5 business days, and pay a one-time fee with no monthly charges. Browse available 205 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 205 area code still in use?
Yes. 205 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Birmingham metropolitan area and west-central Alabama, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Blount, Bibb, Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, and Winston counties.
What is the difference between 205 and 659?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Alabama. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
Can I get a 205 number if I don't live in Alabama?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 205 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 205 a scam area code?
No. 205 is a legitimate, active area code for Birmingham metropolitan area and west-central Alabama, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Blount, Bibb, Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, and Winston counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 205 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Alabama businesses, government offices, and residents.
