Area code 862 covers Newark and surrounding areas in New Jersey. It was activated in 2001 as an overlay of area code 973. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 973. For the full picture, see all New Jersey area codes.
| State | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Newark |
| Cities also served | Newark, Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, East Orange, Morristown, Parsippany, Montclair |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | December 29, 2001 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 973 |
| Overlay codes | 973 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 862
Area code 862 serves Northern New Jersey — Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Bergen, Hudson, and Union Counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Newark
- Paterson
- Clifton
- Passaic
- East Orange
- Morristown
- Parsippany
- Montclair
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 973, 201, 551, 908.
How to Get a 862 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 862 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 862 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 862 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 862 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 862 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 862 number. If you already have a 862 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 New Jersey sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 862 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 862 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 862 numbers for Newark, New Jersey — 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 862 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 862 area code still in use?
Yes. 862 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Northern New Jersey — Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Bergen, Hudson, and Union Counties.
What is the difference between 862 and 973?
Today they share the same geographic territory in New Jersey. 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 862?
Area code 862 is an overlay of 973. Both codes serve the same region of New Jersey.
Can I get a 862 number if I don't live in New Jersey?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 862 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 862 a scam area code?
No. 862 is a legitimate, active area code for Northern New Jersey — Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Bergen, Hudson, and Union Counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 862 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real New Jersey businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities does the 862 area code cover?
Area code 862 covers northern New Jersey, including Newark, Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, East Orange, Montclair, Morristown, and Parsippany, spanning Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Bergen, Hudson, and Union Counties.
Is 862 an overlay or a standalone area code?
Area code 862 is an overlay of area code 973. Both codes serve the exact same geographic territory in northern New Jersey. Ten-digit dialing is required for all calls in the region.
When did area code 862 go into service?
Area code 862 was put into service on December 29, 2001, by NANPA, as an overlay to relieve number exhaustion in the 973 numbering plan area.
Why was area code 862 created?
The rapid growth of mobile phones, fax lines, and internet-connected devices in the late 1990s exhausted available numbers in the 973 area code. Rather than split the territory geographically, regulators added 862 as an overlay so existing 973 customers could keep their numbers.
