Area code 516 covers Hempstead and surrounding areas in New York. It was activated in 1951 as an overlay of area code 914. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 363. For the full picture, see all New York area codes.
| State | New York |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Hempstead |
| Cities also served | Hempstead, Levittown, Freeport, Garden City, Great Neck, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Mineola |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | January 1, 1951 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 914 |
| Overlay codes | 363 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 516
Area code 516 serves Nassau County, Long Island, including the following cities and communities:
- Hempstead
- Levittown
- Freeport
- Garden City
- Great Neck
- Long Beach
- Rockville Centre
- Mineola
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 631, 934, 914.
How to Get a 516 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 516 area code, each suited to a different need:
Ready to Get a 516 Number?
One-time fee. No monthly charges. Port to any carrier in 3–5 business days. NYC's most trusted source since 2009.
Browse 516 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 516 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 516 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 516 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 516 number. If you already have a 516 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 New York sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 516 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 516 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 516 numbers for Hempstead, New York — 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 516 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 516 area code still in use?
Yes. 516 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Nassau County, Long Island.
What is the difference between 516 and 363?
Today they share the same geographic territory in New York. 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 516?
Area code 516 is an overlay of 914. Both codes serve the same region of New York.
Can I get a 516 number if I don't live in New York?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 516 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 516 a scam area code?
No. 516 is a legitimate, active area code for Nassau County, Long Island. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 516 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real New York businesses, government offices, and residents.
What area does the 516 area code cover?
Area code 516 covers Nassau County on Long Island, New York, including cities and communities such as Hempstead, Levittown, Freeport, Garden City, Great Neck, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, and Mineola.
When was the 516 area code created?
Area code 516 was created on January 1, 1951, when Nassau and Suffolk counties were split from the original area code 914, which had covered all of southeastern New York including Long Island.
Does the 516 area code have an overlay?
Yes. Area code 363 was added as an overlay for the 516 numbering plan area on January 20, 2023, to provide additional number capacity for Nassau County. Ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls within the 516/363 region.
What is the difference between area codes 516 and 631?
Area code 516 serves Nassau County (western Long Island), while area code 631 — created in a split from 516 on November 1, 1999 — serves Suffolk County (eastern Long Island).
