Area code 986 covers Boise and surrounding areas in Idaho. Local time is Mountain Time, and from outside the U.S. you dial +1 986 before the seven-digit number. It was activated in 2016 as an overlay of area code 208. For the full picture, see all Idaho area codes.
On this page
| State | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Boise |
| Cities also served | Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Caldwell |
| Time zone | Mountain (UTC-7 / UTC-6 DST (most of state); UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST (northern Panhandle)) |
| Country code | +1 (from abroad: +1 986 + 7 digits) |
| Year established | November 5, 2016 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 208 |
| Overlay codes | 208 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 986
Area code 986 serves Entire state of Idaho — all 44 counties, including the following cities and communities:
- Boise
- Nampa
- Meridian
- Idaho Falls
- Pocatello
- Coeur d'Alene
- Lewiston
- Caldwell
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 208. Area code assignments are administered by NANPA.
How to Get a 986 Phone Number
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Browse 986 Numbers →There are three ways to get a phone number with the 986 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 986 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 986 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 986 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 986 number. If you already have a 986 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 Idaho sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 986 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 986 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 986 numbers for Boise, Idaho — 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 986 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 986 area code still in use?
Yes. 986 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Entire state of Idaho — all 44 counties.
What is the difference between 986 and 208?
Today they share the same geographic territory in Idaho. 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 986?
Area code 986 is an overlay of 208. Both codes serve the same region of Idaho.
Can I get a 986 number if I don't live in Idaho?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 986 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 986 a scam area code?
No. 986 is a legitimate, active area code for Entire state of Idaho — all 44 counties. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 986 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real Idaho businesses, government offices, and residents.
What state is the 986 area code in?
Area code 986 is in Idaho. It covers the entire state and is an overlay of the original 208 area code.
When did area code 986 go into service?
Area code 986 officially entered service on November 5, 2016, beginning a permissive dialing period. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory across Idaho on August 5, 2017.
Why was area code 986 created?
986 was created as a statewide overlay to relieve number exhaustion pressure on area code 208. Rather than splitting Idaho geographically, regulators chose an overlay so that existing 208 customers could keep their numbers while new subscribers could be assigned 986 numbers.
Do I need to dial 10 digits when calling a 986 number?
Yes. Because 986 is an overlay of 208, ten-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) is required for all local calls throughout Idaho.
Related Reading
- How Many Area Codes Are In the US?
- Who Invented Area Codes?
- Why Use Area Codes For Local Calls?
- What States Have the Most Area Codes?
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