The 304 area code is West Virginia’s area code. It covers the whole state, from Huntington and Charleston to Morgantown, Wheeling and the Eastern Panhandle. It shares the state with the 681 area code.
This guide covers the cities in 304, the time zone, the history and how to treat unknown 304 calls.
304 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | West Virginia |
| Location | The entire state of West Virginia |
| Time zone | Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | 1947 |
| Type | Original geographic area code |
| Shares its area with | 681 (overlay since March 28, 2009) |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 304 Area Code Located?
Area code 304 covers the entire state of West Virginia. Main cities:
- Charleston
- Huntington
- Morgantown
- Parkersburg
- Wheeling
- Beckley
- Martinsburg
- Clarksburg
What Time Zone Is the 304 Area Code In?
West Virginia is on Eastern Time.
- Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5, in winter
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC-4, from mid March to early November
That puts it three hours ahead of Los Angeles and one hour ahead of Chicago. If you are calling for business, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time is the safe window.
History of the 304 Area Code
- October 1947: 304 is created as an original area code for the entire state.
- February 28, 2009: ten-digit dialing becomes mandatory for local calls.
- March 28, 2009: 681 numbers become available as a statewide overlay.
West Virginia has never been split into separate numbering areas. When 304 ran short, the state chose an overlay so that the whole state would keep sharing the same codes.
One State, One Calling Identity
Because 304 has always meant the whole state, it works as a symbol of West Virginia in the way a flag does. You will see it on signs, shirts and business names. The state borders five others, and many residents commute to jobs in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia or Kentucky, so calls between 304 and neighboring area codes are routine.
How to Dial a 304 Number
Because more than one area code can serve the same streets, always dial the full ten-digit number.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 304 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 304 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 304 a Scam?
A 304 number usually belongs to a West Virginia resident or business. Common unwanted calls include fake utility shut-off warnings, Medicare offers and calls claiming a relative is in jail and needs bail.
Watch for these warning signs:
- A recorded voice that says an account is locked or suspended
- A caller who wants payment by gift card, wire transfer or crypto
- A text with a link about a delivery, a toll or a refund
- A request for a one-time code that was just sent to your phone
Caller ID can be spoofed, so the number on your screen does not prove where a call comes from.
What to do with an unknown 304 call
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. A real caller leaves a message.
- Look up the company and call the number on its website.
- Block the number on your phone.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 304 Phone Number
A local 304 number helps a business look established in West Virginia.
- Carriers: new lines in West Virginia receive 304 or 681 depending on supply.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 304 number and forward calls to any phone.
- Toll-free numbers: a better fit if your customers are spread across the country.
Read our guides to virtual phone numbers and the 800 area code.
Area Codes Near 304
| 681 | Same area as 304 |
| 740, 220 | Southeastern Ohio |
| 724, 878 | Western Pennsylvania |
| 301, 240, 227 | Western Maryland |
| 540, 826 | Western Virginia |
| 606 | Eastern Kentucky |
Related guides: 240 area code for Maryland, 717 area code for south-central Pennsylvania, 216 area code for Cleveland.
304 Area Code FAQs
What state is area code 304?
West Virginia. It covers the entire state.
What city is area code 304?
Charleston and Huntington are the largest. Morgantown, Parkersburg and Wheeling also use 304.
What is area code 681?
It is the statewide overlay for West Virginia and has been available since March 28, 2009.
What time zone is 304?
Eastern Time.
Is 304 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 304 area code has covered West Virginia since 1947 and shares the state with 681. It is on Eastern Time. Verify unknown callers before you send money or personal details.
