Area code 217 covers Springfield and surrounding areas in Illinois. It is one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T in 1947. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 447. For the full picture, see all Illinois area codes.
| State | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Springfield |
| Cities also served | Springfield, Champaign, Urbana, Decatur, Danville, Quincy, Jacksonville, Effingham |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | 1947 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | Yes |
| Overlay codes | 447 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 217
Area code 217 serves Central Illinois, including the state capital Springfield and the Champaign-Urbana academic corridor, including the following cities and communities:
- Springfield
- Champaign
- Urbana
- Decatur
- Danville
- Quincy
- Jacksonville
- Effingham
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 309, 618, 815, 447.
How to Get a 217 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 217 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 217 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 217 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 217 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 217 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 217 number. If you already have a 217 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 Illinois sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 217 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 217 area code still in use?
Yes. 217 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Central Illinois, including the state capital Springfield and the Champaign-Urbana academic corridor.
What is the difference between 217 and 447?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Illinois. 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 217 number if I don't live in Illinois?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 217 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 217 a scam area code?
No. 217 is a legitimate, active area code for Central Illinois, including the state capital Springfield and the Champaign-Urbana academic corridor. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 217 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Illinois businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are in the 217 area code?
Area code 217 serves central Illinois cities including Springfield, Champaign, Urbana, Decatur, Danville, Quincy, Jacksonville, Effingham, Mattoon, and Rantoul, among many others.
Does area code 217 have an overlay?
Yes. Area code 447 was added as an all-services overlay to 217 in March 2021. Both codes serve the same geographic region in central Illinois, and ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls.
When did 10-digit dialing become mandatory in the 217 area?
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory on February 27, 2021, ahead of the 447 overlay going live on March 27, 2021.
Is 217 one of the original area codes?
Yes. Area code 217 was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 North American area codes created when AT&T implemented the North American Numbering Plan.
