Area code 740 covers Newark and surrounding areas in Ohio. It was activated in 1997 as an overlay of area code 614. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 220.
| State | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Newark |
| Cities also served | Newark, Lancaster, Chillicothe, Zanesville, Athens, Marion, Portsmouth, Steubenville |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | December 6, 1997 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 614 |
| Overlay codes | 220 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 740
Area code 740 serves Southeastern and central Ohio, from the outskirts of Columbus to the Ohio River border, including the following cities and communities:
- Newark
- Lancaster
- Chillicothe
- Zanesville
- Athens
- Marion
- Portsmouth
- Steubenville
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 614, 380.
How to Get a 740 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 740 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 740 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 740 number.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 740 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 740 number. If you already have a 740 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 Ohio sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 740 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
212areacode.com specializes in Manhattan 212 numbers and select premium area codes. We don’t currently maintain a 740 inventory, but we may be able to source a 740 number through our carrier relationships. Contact us with your requirements and we’ll let you know what’s available.
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Browse 740 Numbers →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 740 area code still in use?
Yes. 740 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Southeastern and central Ohio, from the outskirts of Columbus to the Ohio River border.
What is the difference between 740 and 220?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Ohio. 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 740?
Area code 740 is an overlay of 614. Both codes serve the same region of Ohio.
Can I get a 740 number if I don't live in Ohio?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 740 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 740 a scam area code?
No. 740 is a legitimate, active area code for Southeastern and central Ohio, from the outskirts of Columbus to the Ohio River border. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 740 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Ohio businesses, government offices, and residents.
Where is the 740 area code located?
Area code 740 serves southeastern and central Ohio, covering cities such as Newark, Lancaster, Chillicothe, Zanesville, Athens, Marion, Portsmouth, and Steubenville. It is Ohio’s largest area code by geographic size.
What is the overlay for area code 740?
Area code 220 was added as an all-services overlay to the 740 territory on April 22, 2015. Both codes serve the identical geographic area, and ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls within the 740/220 region.
When did area code 740 go into service?
Area code 740 went into service on December 6, 1997, as a geographic split from area code 614, which was serving central and southeastern Ohio and faced number exhaustion.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for local calls in the 740 area code?
Yes. Because area code 220 overlays the same territory, all local calls within the 740/220 region require ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number).
