Area code 251 covers Mobile and surrounding areas in Alabama. It was activated in 2001 as an overlay of area code 334. For the full picture, see all Alabama area codes.
| State | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Mobile |
| Cities also served | Mobile, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Prichard, Saraland, Bay Minette |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | June 18, 2001 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 334 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 251
Area code 251 serves Mobile metropolitan area and the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, and parts of six other southwestern Alabama counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Mobile
- Daphne
- Fairhope
- Foley
- Gulf Shores
- Prichard
- Saraland
- Bay Minette
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 334, 205, 256, 659.
How to Get a 251 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 251 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 251 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 251 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 251 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 251 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 251 number. If you already have a 251 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 251 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 251 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 251 numbers for Mobile, 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 251 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 251 area code still in use?
Yes. 251 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Mobile metropolitan area and the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, and parts of six other southwestern Alabama counties.
What is the parent area code of 251?
Area code 251 is an overlay of 334. Both codes serve the same region of Alabama.
Can I get a 251 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 251 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 251 a scam area code?
No. 251 is a legitimate, active area code for Mobile metropolitan area and the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, and parts of six other southwestern Alabama counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 251 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Alabama businesses, government offices, and residents.
When did area code 251 come into service?
Area code 251 was put into service on June 18, 2001, making it the 300th area code activated in the North American Numbering Plan.
What area code did 251 split from?
Area code 251 was split from area code 334, which had served southern and central Alabama since 1995. The split was necessary due to number exhaustion driven by population and telecom growth in the Mobile region.
Does area code 251 have any overlay codes?
No. As of 2026, area code 251 has no overlay codes. It remains the sole area code for southwestern Alabama, though ten-digit dialing has been required since October 24, 2021, due to the nationwide 988 crisis lifeline rollout.
What counties does area code 251 cover?
Area code 251 covers Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties in full, plus parts of Clarke, Escambia, Monroe, Conecuh, and several other southwestern Alabama counties — nine counties in total.
