Direct answer
Area code 617 serves Boston and close-in inner suburbs in Massachusetts. It is in the Eastern Time, and ten-digit dialing is required there.
Facts
| Area code | 617 |
| State | Massachusetts (MA) |
| Region | Boston and close-in inner suburbs |
| Time zone | Eastern Time |
| Overlays | 617/857 |
| 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 617 footprint covers Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, Watertown, Belmont, Chelsea, Revere, and Everett. That list describes the area the code serves today, not the larger territory it may have covered when it was first assigned. Massachusetts is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone 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 617 is an original 1947 code, but it did not cover the whole state at launch: 413 was also a 1947 original, covering western Massachusetts, while 617 covered the east. Outer territory became 508 in 1988, and a further ring moved to 781 in 1997, leaving 617 with Boston and its nearest neighbours. NANPA records 781 in service on 1 September 1997. Area code 857 was added as an overlay, and NANPA records 857 in service on 2 May 2001, settling an earlier claim of 2 April 2001. New numbers in the Boston core can therefore carry 617 or 857.
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
857 (overlay); 413, 508, 781 (earlier split codes, not Batch 1 pages).
Frequently asked questions
Where is 617 area code?
Area code 617 is in Massachusetts, covering Boston and close-in inner suburbs. It does not cover the whole state.
What time zone is 617 area code?
Area code 617 is in the Eastern Time. Massachusetts is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone for this footprint.
What area codes overlay 617?
The overlay codes for 617 are 857. The full overlay group is 617/857. New numbers in the same territory can carry any code in the group.
Is 617 area code a scam?
No area code is itself a scam. Scammers can spoof any area code, including this one, so judge a call by what the caller asks for, not by the number shown. This site does not identify callers.
When did 617 area code go into service?
Area code 617 has been in service since 1947 (NANPA tool date: 1 January 1947).
Sources
NANPA area code search; 617 area code; 617 area code
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.