Area code 831 covers Salinas and surrounding areas in California. It was activated in 1998 as an overlay of area code 408. For the full picture, see all California area codes.
| State | California |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Salinas |
| Cities also served | Salinas, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Watsonville, Hollister, Seaside, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Scotts Valley |
| Time zone | Pacific (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| Year established | July 11, 1998 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 408 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 831
Area code 831 serves Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Cruz County — Central Coast California, encompassing Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and the southwestern Santa Cruz Mountains, including the following cities and communities:
- Salinas
- Santa Cruz
- Monterey
- Watsonville
- Hollister
- Seaside
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Scotts Valley
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 408, 650, 669.
How to Get a 831 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 831 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 831 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 831 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 831 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 831 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 831 number. If you already have a 831 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 California sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 831 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 831 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 831 numbers for Salinas, California — 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 831 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 831 area code still in use?
Yes. 831 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Cruz County — Central Coast California, encompassing Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and the southwestern Santa Cruz Mountains.
What is the parent area code of 831?
Area code 831 is an overlay of 408. Both codes serve the same region of California.
Can I get a 831 number if I don't live in California?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 831 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 831 a scam area code?
No. 831 is a legitimate, active area code for Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Cruz County — Central Coast California, encompassing Monterey Bay, the Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and the southwestern Santa Cruz Mountains. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 831 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real California businesses, government offices, and residents.
What counties does area code 831 cover?
Area code 831 covers three California counties: Monterey County, San Benito County, and Santa Cruz County, serving communities along the Central Coast from Big Sur to the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Does area code 831 have an overlay?
No. As of 2026, area code 831 operates without any overlay code. It is one of the relatively few California codes that still stands alone, with no relief overlay planned in the foreseeable future — NANPA projects exhaustion no earlier than the second quarter of 2068.
Why was area code 831 created?
Area code 831 was created on July 11, 1998, when it split from area code 408. The 408 numbering plan area was facing exhaustion driven by rapid population growth and surging demand for phone lines — especially from Silicon Valley — so the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the geographic split to carve out the Central Coast as a separate NPA.
Is seven-digit dialing still allowed in the 831 area code?
Because 831 has no overlay, local seven-digit dialing may still function within the NPA. However, ten-digit dialing (1 + 831 + seven digits) is always recommended for reliable call completion.
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.
