The 505 area code covers central and northwestern New Mexico. Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, and Santa Fe, the capital, are both in it. For 60 years it was the only area code in the state.
This guide lists the cities in 505 and explains the time zone, the history and how to deal with unknown 505 calls.
505 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | New Mexico |
| Location | Albuquerque, Santa Fe and northwestern New Mexico |
| Time zone | Mountain Time (UTC-7, UTC-6 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | 1947 |
| Type | Original geographic area code |
| Overlay | None |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 505 Area Code Located?
Area code 505 is located in the northwest and center of New Mexico. Main cities:
- Albuquerque
- Santa Fe
- Rio Rancho
- Farmington
- Gallup
- Los Alamos
The rest of the state, including Las Cruces and Roswell, uses 575.
What Time Zone Is the 505 Area Code In?
Albuquerque is on Mountain Time.
- Mountain Standard Time (MST), UTC-7, in winter
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), UTC-6, from mid March to early November
That puts it two hours behind New York and one hour ahead of Los Angeles. Check the clock before you dial, especially if you are several time zones away.
History of the 505 Area Code
- October 1947: 505 is created as an original area code for the entire state of New Mexico.
- October 7, 2007: the state is divided. The Albuquerque, Santa Fe and northwestern region keeps 505, and the rest of New Mexico becomes 575.
- October 2021: ten-digit dialing becomes required because of the new 988 crisis line.
New Mexico was one of the last states to need a second area code.
“The 505”
Because one code covered the whole state for so long, 505 became a symbol of New Mexico itself. You will see it in business names, on clothing and in local slogans. After the 2007 split the nickname stuck mostly to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area. The region is known for national laboratories, film production, tribal lands and tourism, all of which generate calls from 505 numbers.
How to Dial a 505 Number
You need the area code for every call, even a local one.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 505 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 505 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 505 a Scam?
A 505 call is usually a local resident or business. Calls that pretend to be from a lab, a federal agency or a utility and ask for personal details should be checked through an official number.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Threats of arrest, a lawsuit or a service shut-off unless you pay today
- Offers of a prize, a loan or a job that need a fee first
- Callers who already know part of your details and ask you to “confirm” the rest
- One-ring calls that try to make you call back
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 505 call
- Do not answer numbers you do not know.
- Never share a PIN, password or passcode with someone who called you.
- Block repeat callers and turn on your carrier spam filter.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 505 Phone Number
Want a 505 number of your own? There are a few ways to get one.
- Carriers: any new line in the area gets a 505 number, since it is the only code there.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 505 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 833 area code.
Area Codes Near 505
| 575 | Las Cruces, Roswell and the rest of New Mexico |
| 928 | Northern Arizona: Flagstaff |
| 970 | Western Colorado: Durango |
| 719 | Southern Colorado: Pueblo, Trinidad |
| 915 | El Paso, Texas |
Related guides: 602 area code for Phoenix, 303 area code for Denver, 719 area code for Colorado Springs.
505 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 505?
Albuquerque, New Mexico. It also covers Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Farmington and Gallup.
Is Las Cruces in 505?
No. Las Cruces has used 575 since 2007.
Does 505 have an overlay?
No. It is the only area code for its region.
What time zone is 505?
Mountain Time.
Is 505 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 505 area code has covered Albuquerque and Santa Fe since 1947 and is on Mountain Time. Let unknown callers leave a message and verify before you respond.
