Area code 681 covers Charleston and surrounding areas in West Virginia. It was activated in 2009 as an overlay of area code 304. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 304. For the full picture, see all West Virginia area codes.
| State | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Charleston |
| Cities also served | Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Beckley, Clarksburg, Martinsburg |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | March 28, 2009 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 304 |
| Overlay codes | 304 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 681
Area code 681 serves Entire state of West Virginia, including the following cities and communities:
- Charleston
- Huntington
- Morgantown
- Parkersburg
- Wheeling
- Beckley
- Clarksburg
- Martinsburg
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 304.
How to Get a 681 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 681 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 681 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 681 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 681 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 681 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 681 number. If you already have a 681 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 West Virginia sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 681 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 681 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 681 numbers for Charleston, West 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 681 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 681 area code still in use?
Yes. 681 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Entire state of West Virginia.
What is the difference between 681 and 304?
Today they share the same geographic territory in West 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 681?
Area code 681 is an overlay of 304. Both codes serve the same region of West Virginia.
Can I get a 681 number if I don't live in West Virginia?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 681 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 681 a scam area code?
No. 681 is a legitimate, active area code for Entire state of West Virginia. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 681 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real West Virginia businesses, government offices, and residents.
What state is the 681 area code in?
Area code 681 is located in West Virginia. It covers the entire state, serving cities including Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Wheeling.
Is 681 an overlay of 304?
Yes. Area code 681 was introduced on March 28, 2009, as a statewide overlay of area code 304. Both codes serve the same geographic area — all of West Virginia — and ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls.
Why was area code 681 created?
By the late 2000s, the original West Virginia code 304 was approaching number exhaustion due to the surge in cell phones, fax lines, and other telecom services. Rather than splitting the state geographically, the West Virginia Public Service Commission unanimously approved a statewide overlay on February 13, 2008, making West Virginia the first state previously served by a single code to adopt an overlay plan.
Do I need to dial ten digits for local calls in the 681 area?
Yes. Mandatory ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) took effect February 28, 2009, one month before 681 numbers became available. All local calls in West Virginia, whether to a 304 or 681 number, require the full ten digits.
