Area code 517 covers Lansing and surrounding areas in Michigan. It is one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T in 1947. For the full picture, see all Michigan area codes.
| State | Michigan |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Lansing |
| Cities also served | Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, Adrian, Howell, Charlotte, Mason, Coldwater |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 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 517
Area code 517 serves South central Lower Peninsula of Michigan, centered on the state capital Lansing, including Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Eaton, Livingston, Hillsdale, and Branch counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Lansing
- East Lansing
- Jackson
- Adrian
- Howell
- Charlotte
- Mason
- Coldwater
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 989, 734, 810, 616, 269.
How to Get a 517 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 517 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 517 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 517 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 517 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 517 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 517 number. If you already have a 517 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 Michigan sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 517 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 517 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 517 numbers for Lansing, Michigan — 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 517 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 517 area code still in use?
Yes. 517 is actively assigned to new phone lines in South central Lower Peninsula of Michigan, centered on the state capital Lansing, including Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Eaton, Livingston, Hillsdale, and Branch counties.
Can I get a 517 number if I don't live in Michigan?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 517 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 517 a scam area code?
No. 517 is a legitimate, active area code for South central Lower Peninsula of Michigan, centered on the state capital Lansing, including Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Eaton, Livingston, Hillsdale, and Branch counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 517 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Michigan businesses, government offices, and residents.
Where is the 517 area code located?
Area code 517 serves the south central portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Its territory is centered on Lansing, the state capital, and also includes cities such as East Lansing, Jackson, Adrian, Howell, Charlotte, Mason, Coldwater, and Hillsdale.
Is area code 517 an original area code?
Yes. Area code 517 was one of the original 86 North American area codes established in 1947. It served a much larger portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula until the 2001 split created area code 989.
Does area code 517 have an overlay?
No. As of 2026, area code 517 has no overlay code. It is the sole area code serving its geographic region, which means seven-digit local dialing remains possible within the 517 territory.
What area code was created from the 517 split?
Area code 989 was created on April 7, 2001, when the northern and central portions of the original 517 territory — including Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland — were reassigned to relieve projected number exhaustion.
