Area code 227 covers Germantown and surrounding areas in Maryland. It was activated in 2023 as an overlay of area code 301. Today it shares its territory with overlay codes 240 and 301. For the full picture, see all Maryland area codes.
| State | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Germantown |
| Cities also served | Germantown, Silver Spring, Rockville, Frederick, Bethesda, Waldorf, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | June 14, 2023 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 301 |
| Overlay codes | 240, 301 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 227
Area code 227 serves Western and southern Maryland, including suburban Washington, D.C. — covering Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick, Charles, St. Mary's, Washington, Allegany, Garrett, Howard, Carroll, and Anne Arundel counties (portions), including the following cities and communities:
- Germantown
- Silver Spring
- Rockville
- Frederick
- Bethesda
- Waldorf
- Gaithersburg
- Hagerstown
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 240, 301, 410, 443, 667, 202.
How to Get a 227 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 227 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 227 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 227 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 227 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 227 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 227 number. If you already have a 227 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 Maryland sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 227 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 227 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 227 numbers for Germantown, Maryland — 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 227 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 227 area code still in use?
Yes. 227 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Western and southern Maryland, including suburban Washington, D.C. — covering Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Charles, St. Mary’s, Washington, Allegany, Garrett, Howard, Carroll, and Anne Arundel counties (portions).
What is the difference between 227 and 240?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Maryland. 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 227?
Area code 227 is an overlay of 301. Both codes serve the same region of Maryland.
Can I get a 227 number if I don't live in Maryland?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 227 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 227 a scam area code?
No. 227 is a legitimate, active area code for Western and southern Maryland, including suburban Washington, D.C. — covering Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Charles, St. Mary’s, Washington, Allegany, Garrett, Howard, Carroll, and Anne Arundel counties (portions). Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 227 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Maryland businesses, government offices, and residents.
When did area code 227 go into service?
Area code 227 went into service on June 14, 2023, as an all-services overlay to the existing 301 and 240 area codes serving western and southern Maryland.
Do I need to dial 10 digits when calling a 227 number?
Yes. Ten-digit dialing — area code plus the seven-digit number — is required for all local calls within and between the 227, 240, and 301 area codes. No leading 1 is needed for local calls.
Will my existing 301 or 240 number change because of the 227 overlay?
No. The overlay only assigns 227 numbers to new lines or new service requests. Existing 301 and 240 numbers remain unchanged.
Why was area code 227 created?
The Maryland Public Service Commission approved 227 because the combined 301/240 number pool was projected to reach exhaustion. The new code provides additional telephone numbers for the region’s growing population and business base without requiring a geographic split.
