Area code 515 covers Des Moines and surrounding areas in Iowa. It is one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T in 1947. For the full picture, see all Iowa area codes.
| State | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Des Moines |
| Cities also served | Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Fort Dodge, Johnston, Boone |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | January 1, 1947 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | Yes |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Local seven-digit dialing may still apply |
Cities Served by Area Code 515
Area code 515 serves Des Moines metropolitan area and north-central Iowa, including the following cities and communities:
- Des Moines
- Ames
- Ankeny
- West Des Moines
- Urbandale
- Fort Dodge
- Johnston
- Boone
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 319, 563, 641, 712.
How to Get a 515 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 515 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 515 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 515 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 515 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 515 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 515 number. If you already have a 515 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 Iowa sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 515 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 515 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 515 numbers for Des Moines, Iowa — 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 515 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 515 area code still in use?
Yes. 515 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Des Moines metropolitan area and north-central Iowa.
Can I get a 515 number if I don't live in Iowa?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 515 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 515 a scam area code?
No. 515 is a legitimate, active area code for Des Moines metropolitan area and north-central Iowa. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 515 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Iowa businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are covered by area code 515?
Area code 515 covers Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Fort Dodge, Johnston, Boone, and more than 100 additional communities across 20 counties in north-central Iowa.
Does area code 515 have an overlay?
No. As of 2026, area code 515 has no overlay codes. It is the sole area code for its geographic region, and ten-digit dialing was adopted in October 2021 due to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline designation.
When was area code 515 split?
Area code 515 was split on July 9, 2000, when area code 641 was created to serve the southern and eastern portions of the original 515 territory, including Mason City, Marshalltown, and Ottumwa.
Why does Slipknot have a song called '(515)'?
Heavy metal band Slipknot hails from Des Moines, Iowa. Their 2001 album Iowa opens with the short track ‘(515)’, whose title directly references the Des Moines area code as a tribute to the band’s hometown roots.
