Area code 686 covers Richmond and surrounding areas in Virginia. It was activated in 2024 as an overlay of area code 804. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 804. For the full picture, see all Virginia area codes.
| State | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Richmond |
| Cities also served | Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Ashland, Tappahannock, Henrico |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | February 1, 2024 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 804 |
| Overlay codes | 804 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 686
Area code 686 serves East-central Virginia, anchored by Richmond and its metropolitan area, including the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula, including the following cities and communities:
- Richmond
- Petersburg
- Hopewell
- Colonial Heights
- Mechanicsville
- Ashland
- Tappahannock
- Henrico
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 804, 757, 948, 434, 540, 826, 703, 571.
How to Get a 686 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 686 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 686 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 686 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 686 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 686 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 686 number. If you already have a 686 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 686 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 686 area code still in use?
Yes. 686 is actively assigned to new phone lines in East-central Virginia, anchored by Richmond and its metropolitan area, including the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula.
What is the difference between 686 and 804?
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 686?
Area code 686 is an overlay of 804. Both codes serve the same region of Virginia.
Can I get a 686 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 686 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 686 a scam area code?
No. 686 is a legitimate, active area code for East-central Virginia, anchored by Richmond and its metropolitan area, including the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 686 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Virginia businesses, government offices, and residents.
Why was area code 686 created?
Area code 686 was created as an overlay for the 804 area code, which was forecast to exhaust its supply of central office prefixes. The Virginia State Corporation Commission approved 686 on November 22, 2022, and it went into service on February 1, 2024.
Does having a 686 number mean I am in a different calling area than 804?
No. Area codes 686 and 804 cover the exact same geographic territory. A call between a 686 number and an 804 number is a local call, with no change to rates or coverage.
Do I need to dial ten digits when calling a 686 number?
Yes. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) is required for all local calls within the 804/686 overlay area, a requirement already in place since July 2022.
What cities does the 686 area code cover?
The 686 area code covers Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Ashland, Henrico, Chesterfield, Tappahannock, and communities across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia.
