Area code 908 covers Elizabeth and surrounding areas in New Jersey. It was activated in 1990 as an overlay of area code 201. For the full picture, see all New Jersey area codes.
| State | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Elizabeth |
| Cities also served | Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, Somerville, Westfield, Summit, Phillipsburg, Flemington |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | November 1, 1990 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 201 |
| Overlay codes | None |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
908 as an Overlay of 201
Area code 908 is an overlay of area code 201, meaning the two codes share the exact same geographic territory in North-central New Jersey, covering Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, and parts of Morris and Middlesex counties. When 908 was activated in November 1, 1990, all existing 201 phone numbers stayed unchanged. New phone lines in the region may now be assigned either 201 or 908, and ten-digit dialing is required for all local calls. For the full history of the area, its cities, and what these codes mean culturally, see our page on area code 201.
Cities Served by Area Code 908
Area code 908 serves North-central New Jersey, covering Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, and parts of Morris and Middlesex counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Elizabeth
- Plainfield
- Linden
- Somerville
- Westfield
- Summit
- Phillipsburg
- Flemington
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 201, 551, 732, 848, 862, 973, 609, 640, 856.
How to Get a 908 Phone Number
Ready to Get a 908 Number?
One-time fee. No monthly charges. Port to any carrier in 3–5 business days. NYC's most trusted source since 2009.
Browse 908 Numbers →There are three ways to get a phone number with the 908 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 908 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 908 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 908 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 908 number. If you already have a 908 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 908 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 908 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 908 numbers for Elizabeth, 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 908 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 908 area code still in use?
Yes. 908 is actively assigned to new phone lines in North-central New Jersey, covering Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, and parts of Morris and Middlesex counties.
What is the parent area code of 908?
Area code 908 is an overlay of 201. Both codes serve the same region of New Jersey.
Can I get a 908 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 908 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 908 a scam area code?
No. 908 is a legitimate, active area code for North-central New Jersey, covering Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, and parts of Morris and Middlesex counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 908 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real New Jersey businesses, government offices, and residents.
What cities are in the 908 area code?
Area code 908 serves Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, Somerville, Westfield, Summit, Phillipsburg, Flemington, and many other communities across Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, and parts of Morris and Middlesex counties.
Does area code 908 have an overlay?
No. As of 2026, area code 908 has no overlay and is one of only two New Jersey area codes — along with 856 — that have not been overlaid. It is the sole area code for its geographic territory.
When was the 908 area code created?
Area code 908 went into service on November 1, 1990. It was split from area code 201, which had grown congested due to rapid population and business growth in northern and central New Jersey.
Was area code 908 ever split?
Yes. On January 1, 1997, the eastern portion of 908’s original territory was separated to form area code 732, which now covers the central-eastern region of New Jersey including Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties.
