Area code 661 covers Bakersfield and surrounding areas in California. It was activated in 1999 as an overlay of area code 805. For the full picture, see all California area codes.
| State | California |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Bakersfield |
| Cities also served | Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, Delano, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Mojave |
| Time zone | Pacific (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| Year established | February 13, 1999 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 805 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 661
Area code 661 serves Southern San Joaquin Valley and northern Los Angeles County, covering most of Kern County, the Antelope Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley, and portions of Tulare, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Bakersfield
- Santa Clarita
- Palmdale
- Lancaster
- Delano
- Ridgecrest
- Tehachapi
- Mojave
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 805, 559, 760.
How to Get a 661 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 661 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 661 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 661 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 661 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 661 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 661 number. If you already have a 661 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 661 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 661 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 661 numbers for Bakersfield, 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 661 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 661 area code still in use?
Yes. 661 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Southern San Joaquin Valley and northern Los Angeles County, covering most of Kern County, the Antelope Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley, and portions of Tulare, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
What is the parent area code of 661?
Area code 661 is an overlay of 805. Both codes serve the same region of California.
Can I get a 661 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 661 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 661 a scam area code?
No. 661 is a legitimate, active area code for Southern San Joaquin Valley and northern Los Angeles County, covering most of Kern County, the Antelope Valley, the Santa Clarita Valley, and portions of Tulare, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 661 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real California businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are in the 661 area code?
The 661 area code covers Bakersfield, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, Delano, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, and Mojave, along with dozens of smaller communities across Kern County and northern Los Angeles County.
Does 661 have an overlay area code?
No. As of 2026, area code 661 has no overlay. It is the sole area code for its geographic territory, and NANPA’s analysis projects no imminent exhaustion requiring relief.
What area code did 661 split from?
661 was created from a geographic split of area code 805 on February 13, 1999, taking the inland and eastern portions of the former 805 territory — primarily Kern County and northern Los Angeles County.
Do you need to dial 10 digits for 661 area code calls?
Because 661 has no overlay, local calls within the 661 area code can still be completed with 7-digit dialing. Ten-digit dialing always works and is recommended for any call that may cross area code boundaries.
