Direct answer
Area code 201 serves northeastern New Jersey, mainly Hudson and Bergen counties in New Jersey. It is in the Eastern Time, and ten-digit dialing is required there.
Facts
| Area code | 201 |
| State | New Jersey (NJ) |
| Region | northeastern New Jersey, mainly Hudson and Bergen counties |
| Time zone | Eastern Time |
| Overlays | 201/551 |
| In service since | 1947 (NANPA tool date: 1 January 1947) |
| Dialing rule | Yes — ten-digit dialing is required in this overlay area. |
Areas covered
The 201 footprint covers Jersey City, Hoboken, Hackensack, Bayonne, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Union City, and Ridgewood. That list describes the area the code serves today, not the larger territory it may have covered when it was first assigned. New Jersey is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone, so there is no split-zone note for this footprint. Callers in this area should always dial the full ten-digit number, including the area code, even for a local call.
History
Area code 201 is one of the original North American codes from 1947, when it covered all of New Jersey. As the state grew, new codes took over other parts of New Jersey, leaving 201 with the northeastern corner. Area code 551 was added as an overlay for the same territory, and NANPA records 551 in service on 29 December 2001. That overlay is why callers in the area now dial ten digits for local calls.
Dialing
Dialing rule: Yes — ten-digit dialing is required in this overlay area. The reason is the overlay structure in the facts table above, except where this page states a different reason, as it does for 616. From outside the United States, the country code for the United States is 1, followed by the area code and the local number. This page explains the area code only; it does not identify who owns a number or where a phone is.
Calls and spoofing
A call that shows a familiar area code is not proof of who is calling. Caller ID can be spoofed, so a number that looks local may come from anywhere. Do not share personal or financial details because of the number on the screen, and hang up and call back on a number you trust if a caller asks for money, codes, or account access. This site does not identify callers or phone owners, and it does not list reported spam numbers.
Related codes
551 (overlay, not a Batch 1 page).
Frequently asked questions
Where is 201 area code?
Area code 201 is in New Jersey, covering northeastern New Jersey, mainly Hudson and Bergen counties. It does not cover the whole state.
What time zone is 201 area code?
Area code 201 is in the Eastern Time. New Jersey is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone, so there is no split-zone note for this footprint.
What area codes overlay 201?
The overlay codes for 201 are 551. The full overlay group is 201/551. New numbers in the same territory can carry any code in the group.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 201?
Yes — ten-digit dialing is required in this overlay area.
When did 201 area code go into service?
Area code 201 has been in service since 1947 (NANPA tool date: 1 January 1947).
Sources
NANPA area code search; Area code 551
Based on a recent search of NANPA and official sources.
This website provides general information about North American area codes, compiled from public sources including NANPA. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FCC, NANPA or any telephone carrier. Area code details can change; confirm with your carrier or the official NANPA website. This site does not identify callers or phone owners.