Area code 223 covers Lancaster and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. It was activated in 2017 as an overlay of area code 717. For the full picture, see all Pennsylvania area codes.
| State | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Lancaster |
| Cities also served | Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Carlisle, Ephrata |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | September 26, 2017 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 717 |
| Overlay codes | 717 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 223
Area code 223 serves South Central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country, including the following cities and communities:
- Lancaster
- Harrisburg
- York
- Lebanon
- Gettysburg
- Chambersburg
- Carlisle
- Ephrata
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 717, 570, 272.
How to Get a 223 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 223 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 223 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 223 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 223 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 223 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 223 number. If you already have a 223 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 Pennsylvania sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 223 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 223 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 223 numbers for Lancaster, Pennsylvania — 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 223 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 223 area code still in use?
Yes. 223 is actively assigned to new phone lines in South Central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
What is the difference between 223 and 717?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Pennsylvania. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 223?
Area code 223 is an overlay of 717. Both codes serve the same region of Pennsylvania.
Can I get a 223 number if I don't live in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 223 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 223 a scam area code?
No. 223 is a legitimate, active area code for South Central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 223 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Pennsylvania businesses, government offices, and residents.
What area does the 223 area code cover?
Area code 223 covers south central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, and surrounding communities across more than a dozen counties.
Is 223 an overlay of 717?
Yes. Area code 223 is a full overlay of area code 717. Both codes serve the identical geographic footprint. Ten-digit dialing has been mandatory in the region since August 26, 2017.
Why was area code 223 created?
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission determined that 717 was approaching number exhaustion. In October 2016 an overlay code — 223 — was approved, entering service on September 26, 2017, to provide additional numbering capacity without requiring anyone to change an existing 717 number.
What time zone is the 223 area code in?
Area code 223 is in the Eastern Time Zone — UTC-5 during Eastern Standard Time and UTC-4 during Eastern Daylight Time.
Related Reading
- Why Use Area Codes For Local Calls?
- What States Have the Most Area Codes?
- Most Desirable Area Codes
- How Do Area Codes Work?
Looking for a different code? See the complete US area code directory.
