Area code 540 covers Roanoke and surrounding areas in Virginia. It was activated in 1995 as an overlay of area code 703. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 826. For the full picture, see all Virginia area codes.
| State | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Roanoke |
| Cities also served | Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, Blacksburg, Winchester, Staunton, Waynesboro, Radford |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | July 15, 1995 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 703 |
| Overlay codes | 826 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 540
Area code 540 serves Western and northwestern Virginia, spanning the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, Alleghany Highlands, and New River Valley, including the Roanoke metropolitan area and Fredericksburg, including the following cities and communities:
- Roanoke
- Harrisonburg
- Fredericksburg
- Blacksburg
- Winchester
- Staunton
- Waynesboro
- Radford
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 276, 434, 571, 703, 757, 804, 826, 948.
How to Get a 540 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 540 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 540 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 540 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 540 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 540 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 540 number. If you already have a 540 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 Virginia sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 540 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 540 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 540 numbers for Roanoke, Virginia — 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 540 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 540 area code still in use?
Yes. 540 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Western and northwestern Virginia, spanning the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, Alleghany Highlands, and New River Valley, including the Roanoke metropolitan area and Fredericksburg.
What is the difference between 540 and 826?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Virginia. 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 540?
Area code 540 is an overlay of 703. Both codes serve the same region of Virginia.
Can I get a 540 number if I don't live in Virginia?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 540 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 540 a scam area code?
No. 540 is a legitimate, active area code for Western and northwestern Virginia, spanning the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, Alleghany Highlands, and New River Valley, including the Roanoke metropolitan area and Fredericksburg. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 540 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Virginia businesses, government offices, and residents.
Where is area code 540 located?
Area code 540 covers western and northwestern Virginia, including the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, New River Valley, and the Roanoke metropolitan area. Major cities include Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Blacksburg, Fredericksburg, and Winchester.
What is the overlay for area code 540?
Area code 826 was added as an all-services overlay to 540 on June 14, 2022. Both codes now serve the same geographic region, and ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls.
Where did area code 540 split from?
Area code 540 was created on July 15, 1995, when area code 703 was divided. The northern Virginia suburbs retained 703, while the rest of western Virginia was reassigned to 540. In 2001, the far western portion of 540 was further split to create area code 276.
Do I need to dial ten digits for local calls in the 540 area code?
Yes. Since the 826 overlay went into service in 2022, all local calls within the 540/826 numbering plan area require ten-digit dialing — the area code plus the seven-digit number.
Related Reading
- Most Desirable Area Codes
- How Do Area Codes Work?
- How Are Area Codes Assigned?
- Why the Right Area Code Matters
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