Direct answer
Area code 703 serves Northern Virginia, the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Virginia side of the Potomac in Virginia. It is in the Eastern Time, and ten-digit dialing is required there.
Facts
| Area code | 703 |
| State | Virginia (VA) |
| Region | Northern Virginia, the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Virginia side of the Potomac |
| Time zone | Eastern Time |
| Overlays | 703/571 |
| 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 703 footprint covers Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, Tysons, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Springfield, Chantilly, Centreville, Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Manassas, and Woodbridge. That list describes the area the code serves today, not the larger territory it may have covered when it was first assigned. Virginia 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 703 is an original 1947 code that once covered the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. The first split came in June 1973, when eastern and central Virginia became 804. A second split in 1995 created 540 for the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke, and the west, and NANPA records 540 in service on 15 July 1995, settling an earlier claim of 19 June 1995. That split left 703 with Northern Virginia only. Area code 571 was approved as an all-services overlay in 1998 and entered service in March 2000, so Northern Virginia numbers can now carry 703 or 571.
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
571 (overlay); 804, 540 (earlier split codes, not Batch 1 pages).
Frequently asked questions
Where is 703 area code?
Area code 703 is in Virginia, covering Northern Virginia, the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Virginia side of the Potomac. It does not cover the whole state.
What time zone is 703 area code?
Area code 703 is in the Eastern Time. Virginia is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone for this footprint.
What area codes overlay 703?
The overlay codes for 703 are 571. The full overlay group is 703/571. New numbers in the same territory can carry any code in the group.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 703?
Yes — ten-digit dialing is required in this overlay area.
When did 703 area code go into service?
Area code 703 has been in service since 1947 (NANPA tool date: 1 January 1947).
Sources
NANPA area code search; 703 area code; 703 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.