Area code 804 covers Richmond and surrounding areas in Virginia. It was activated in 1973 as an overlay of area code 703. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 686. For the full picture, see all Virginia area codes.
| State | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Richmond |
| Cities also served | Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Ashland, Tappahannock |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | June 24, 1973 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 703 |
| Overlay codes | 686 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 804
Area code 804 serves Greater Richmond metro area, including Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and Prince George counties, plus the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, including the following cities and communities:
- Richmond
- Petersburg
- Hopewell
- Colonial Heights
- Mechanicsville
- Midlothian
- Ashland
- Tappahannock
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 434, 540, 757, 703, 686.
How to Get a 804 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 804 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 804 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 804 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 804 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 804 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 804 number. If you already have a 804 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 804 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 804 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 804 numbers for Richmond, 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 804 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 804 area code still in use?
Yes. 804 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Greater Richmond metro area, including Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and Prince George counties, plus the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
What is the difference between 804 and 686?
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 804?
Area code 804 is an overlay of 703. Both codes serve the same region of Virginia.
Can I get a 804 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 804 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 804 a scam area code?
No. 804 is a legitimate, active area code for Greater Richmond metro area, including Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, and Prince George counties, plus the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 804 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Virginia businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are in the 804 area code?
Area code 804 covers Richmond (Virginia’s state capital), Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Ashland, and communities across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.
What is the overlay for area code 804?
Area code 686 was added as an overlay to 804 on February 1, 2024. Both codes serve the same geographic territory, and ten-digit dialing is required throughout the region.
When did area code 804 start?
Area code 804 went into service on June 24, 1973, split from Virginia’s original statewide area code 703.
What area codes did 804 split from or create?
804 was split from 703 in 1973. It later lost territory to 757 in 1996 (Hampton Roads) and to 434 in 2001 (Danville, Lynchburg, Charlottesville). In 2024, overlay 686 was added to its current footprint.
Related Reading
- Why the Right Area Code Matters
- When Did We Start Using Area Codes?
- How Many Area Codes Are In the US?
- Who Invented Area Codes?
Looking for a different code? See the complete US area code directory.
