Area code 717 covers Harrisburg and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. It is one of the original 86 area codes established by AT&T in 1947. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 223.
| State | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Harrisburg |
| Cities also served | Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Carlisle, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Hanover |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | January 1, 1947 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | Yes |
| Overlay codes | 223 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 717
Area code 717 serves South Central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including the Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York areas and Pennsylvania Dutch Country, including the following cities and communities:
- Harrisburg
- Lancaster
- York
- Lebanon
- Carlisle
- Gettysburg
- Chambersburg
- Hanover
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 223, 570, 215, 412, 814, 267, 484, 610.
How to Get a 717 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 717 area code, each suited to a different need:
- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 717 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. Contact us about a 717 number.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 717 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 717 number. If you already have a 717 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 Pennsylvania sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 717 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
212areacode.com specializes in Manhattan 212 numbers and select premium area codes. We don’t currently maintain a 717 inventory, but we may be able to source a 717 number through our carrier relationships. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll let you know what’s available.
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Browse 717 Numbers →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 717 area code still in use?
Yes. 717 is actively assigned to new phone lines in South Central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including the Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York areas and Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
What is the difference between 717 and 223?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Pennsylvania. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
Can I get a 717 number if I don't live in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 717 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 717 a scam area code?
No. 717 is a legitimate, active area code for South Central Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley, including the Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York areas and Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 717 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Pennsylvania businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities does the 717 area code cover?
Area code 717 covers south central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg (the state capital), Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Carlisle, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, and Hanover, spanning parts of sixteen counties.
Does the 717 area code require ten-digit dialing?
Yes. Since August 26, 2017, ten-digit dialing has been mandatory throughout the 717/223 numbering plan area because overlay code 223 shares the same geographic territory.
When was area code 570 split from 717?
Area code 570 was split from 717 on December 5, 1998, taking over the northern portion of the old 717 territory centered on Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport.
Is 717 one of the original area codes?
Yes. Area code 717 was one of the original North American area codes established in 1947 when AT&T organized the continent-wide numbering plan. Pennsylvania was initially divided into four numbering plan areas: 215, 412, 717, and 814.
