Area code 551 covers Jersey City and surrounding areas in New Jersey. It was activated in 2001 as an overlay of area code 201. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 201. For the full picture, see all New Jersey area codes.
| State | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Jersey City |
| Cities also served | Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Union City, Hackensack, Englewood, Fort Lee, Secaucus |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | December 29, 2001 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 201 |
| Overlay codes | 201 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 551
Area code 551 serves Northeastern New Jersey — Hudson County and Bergen County, bordering New York City, including the following cities and communities:
- Jersey City
- Hoboken
- Bayonne
- Union City
- Hackensack
- Englewood
- Fort Lee
- Secaucus
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 201, 862, 973, 908, 732, 848, 609, 856, 640.
How to Get a 551 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 551 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 551 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 551 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 551 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 551 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 551 number. If you already have a 551 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 Jersey sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 551 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 551 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 551 numbers for Jersey City, New Jersey — 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 551 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 551 area code still in use?
Yes. 551 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Northeastern New Jersey — Hudson County and Bergen County, bordering New York City.
What is the difference between 551 and 201?
Today they share the same geographic territory in New Jersey. 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 551?
Area code 551 is an overlay of 201. Both codes serve the same region of New Jersey.
Can I get a 551 number if I don't live in New Jersey?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 551 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 551 a scam area code?
No. 551 is a legitimate, active area code for Northeastern New Jersey — Hudson County and Bergen County, bordering New York City. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 551 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real New Jersey businesses, government offices, and residents.
What is the 551 area code?
Area code 551 is a telephone area code serving northeastern New Jersey, covering Hudson County and most of Bergen County. It was placed into service on December 29, 2001 as an overlay to area code 201, meaning both codes share the exact same geographic territory.
Why does northeastern New Jersey have two area codes — 201 and 551?
By the late 1990s, demand for new numbers in Hudson and Bergen counties was exhausting the 201 code. Rather than split the region and force existing customers to change numbers, regulators introduced 551 as an overlay in 2001. New numbers can be assigned from either code; existing 201 numbers were unchanged.
Do I need to dial ten digits when calling a 551 number locally?
Yes. Because 551 and 201 overlay the same territory, all local calls within the region require ten-digit dialing — area code plus the seven-digit number.
What major cities does the 551 area code cover?
The 551 area code covers Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Union City, Hackensack, Fort Lee, Englewood, Secaucus, and other communities in Hudson and Bergen counties in northeastern New Jersey.
