Area code 847 covers Waukegan and surrounding areas in Illinois. It was activated in 1996 as an overlay of area code 708. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 224. For the full picture, see all Illinois area codes.
| State | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Waukegan |
| Cities also served | Waukegan, Evanston, Elgin, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Glenview, Buffalo Grove |
| Time zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST) |
| Year established | January 20, 1996 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 708 |
| Overlay codes | 224 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 847
Area code 847 serves Northern and northwestern suburbs of Chicago, covering most of Lake County, the northern part of Cook County, the northern part of Kane County, and a small part of McHenry County, including the following cities and communities:
- Waukegan
- Evanston
- Elgin
- Arlington Heights
- Schaumburg
- Des Plaines
- Glenview
- Buffalo Grove
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 224, 708, 630, 312, 773, 872.
How to Get a 847 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 847 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 847 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 847 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 847 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 847 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 847 number. If you already have a 847 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 Illinois sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 847 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 847 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 847 numbers for Waukegan, Illinois — 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 847 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 847 area code still in use?
Yes. 847 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Northern and northwestern suburbs of Chicago, covering most of Lake County, the northern part of Cook County, the northern part of Kane County, and a small part of McHenry County.
What is the difference between 847 and 224?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Illinois. 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 847?
Area code 847 is an overlay of 708. Both codes serve the same region of Illinois.
Can I get a 847 number if I don't live in Illinois?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 847 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 847 a scam area code?
No. 847 is a legitimate, active area code for Northern and northwestern suburbs of Chicago, covering most of Lake County, the northern part of Cook County, the northern part of Kane County, and a small part of McHenry County. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 847 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Illinois businesses, government offices, and residents.
When was area code 847 created?
Area code 847 was put into service on January 20, 1996, as part of a three-way split of the former area code 708, which had been serving Chicago’s suburbs.
What overlay code shares the 847 area?
Area code 224 was assigned as an overlay to 847 on January 5, 2002, meaning both codes serve the same geographic territory. Ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls.
What counties does area code 847 cover?
Area code 847 covers most of Lake County, the northern part of Cook County, the northern part of Kane County, and a small portion of McHenry County in northeastern Illinois.
Is area code 847 a scam risk?
No — 847 is a legitimate Illinois area code serving Chicago’s northern suburbs. As with any area code, be cautious of unsolicited calls and verify the caller’s identity before sharing personal information.
Related Reading
- How Do Area Codes Work?
- How Are Area Codes Assigned?
- Why the Right Area Code Matters
- When Did We Start Using Area Codes?
Looking for a different code? See the complete US area code directory.
