Area code 443 covers Baltimore and surrounding areas in Maryland. It was activated in 1997 as an overlay of area code 410. Today it shares its territory with overlay codes 410 and 667.
| State | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Baltimore |
| Cities also served | Baltimore, Columbia, Annapolis, Towson, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Dundalk, Salisbury |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | July 1, 1997 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 410 |
| Overlay codes | 410, 667 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 443
Area code 443 serves Baltimore metropolitan area and Maryland's Eastern Shore, including the following cities and communities:
- Baltimore
- Columbia
- Annapolis
- Towson
- Glen Burnie
- Ellicott City
- Dundalk
- Salisbury
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 410, 667, 301, 240.
How to Get a 443 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 443 area code, each suited to a different need:
- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 443 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. Contact us about a 443 number.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 443 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 443 number. If you already have a 443 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 443 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
212areacode.com specializes in Manhattan 212 numbers and select premium area codes. We don’t currently maintain a 443 inventory, but we may be able to source a 443 number through our carrier relationships. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll let you know what’s available.
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Browse 443 Numbers →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 443 area code still in use?
Yes. 443 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Baltimore metropolitan area and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
What is the difference between 443 and 410?
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 443?
Area code 443 is an overlay of 410. Both codes serve the same region of Maryland.
Can I get a 443 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 443 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 443 a scam area code?
No. 443 is a legitimate, active area code for Baltimore metropolitan area and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 443 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Maryland businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are covered by the 443 area code?
Area code 443 covers the Baltimore metropolitan area and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including Baltimore, Columbia, Annapolis, Towson, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, Dundalk, and Salisbury, among many others.
Why was the 443 area code created?
Area code 443 was introduced on July 1, 1997, as an overlay for the 410 area code, which was nearing exhaustion due to the rapid proliferation of cell phones and pagers in the Baltimore region.
Do I need to dial ten digits to call a 443 number?
Yes. Because 443 is an overlay sharing territory with 410 and 667, all local calls within the region require ten-digit dialing — the area code plus the seven-digit number.
What is the relationship between area codes 410, 443, and 667?
All three are overlay codes serving the same geographic area — eastern Maryland including the Baltimore metro and the Eastern Shore. Area code 410 was the original code for the region (created in 1991), 443 was overlaid in 1997, and 667 was added in 2012 to meet continued demand.
