Area code 626 covers Pasadena and surrounding areas in California. It was activated in 1997 as an overlay of area code 818. For the full picture, see all California area codes.
| State | California |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Pasadena |
| Cities also served | Pasadena, El Monte, West Covina, Alhambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, Baldwin Park, San Gabriel |
| Time zone | Pacific (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| Year established | June 14, 1997 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 818 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 626
Area code 626 serves San Gabriel Valley, eastern Los Angeles County, including the following cities and communities:
- Pasadena
- El Monte
- West Covina
- Alhambra
- Arcadia
- Monrovia
- Baldwin Park
- San Gabriel
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 818, 747, 213, 323, 738.
How to Get a 626 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 626 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 626 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 626 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 626 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 626 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 626 number. If you already have a 626 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 California sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 626 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 626 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 626 numbers for Pasadena, California — 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 626 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 626 area code still in use?
Yes. 626 is actively assigned to new phone lines in San Gabriel Valley, eastern Los Angeles County.
What is the parent area code of 626?
Area code 626 is an overlay of 818. Both codes serve the same region of California.
Can I get a 626 number if I don't live in California?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 626 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 626 a scam area code?
No. 626 is a legitimate, active area code for San Gabriel Valley, eastern Los Angeles County. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 626 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real California businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities does the 626 area code cover?
Area code 626 covers most of the San Gabriel Valley in eastern Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, El Monte, West Covina, Alhambra, Arcadia, Monrovia, Baldwin Park, San Gabriel, Azusa, Covina, Glendora, Rosemead, Temple City, and South Pasadena, among others.
Does area code 626 have an overlay?
As of mid-2026, area code 626 does not yet have an active overlay. However, NANPA filed an application with the CPUC in February 2025 requesting approval of a new all-services distributed overlay, as the 626 NPA is projected to exhaust its available prefixes in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Why does the 626 area code require 10-digit dialing?
Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 626 area code because it previously had telephone numbers assigned to the 988 prefix. When the FCC designated 988 as the nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline code in 2020, area codes using that prefix had to transition to 10-digit local dialing. The 626 area code completed that transition in October 2021.
What is 626 Day?
626 Day is an informal local celebration held on June 26 (6/26) honoring the San Gabriel Valley community. The City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Convention and Visitors Bureau began promoting it in 2021 as a day to support local businesses throughout the region.
