The 619 area code is the main phone code for San Diego, California. It also serves the suburbs to the south and east of the city. This guide explains where 619 is, the local time, the history of the code and what to do with unknown 619 calls.
619 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Location | San Diego and its southern and eastern suburbs |
| Time zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8, UTC-7 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | 1982 |
| Type | Geographic area code in an overlay |
| Shares its area with | 858 |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 619 Area Code Located?
Area code 619 covers San Diego and the communities around it near the Mexican border. Cities in the area include:
- San Diego
- Chula Vista
- El Cajon
- La Mesa
- National City
- Coronado
Since 2018, 619 and 858 have been one combined overlay area, so both codes can be found across the city.
What Time Zone Is the 619 Area Code In?
San Diego is on Pacific Time.
- Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8, in winter
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC-7, from mid March to early November
That puts it three hours behind New York and two hours behind Chicago. Most offices there answer between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time.
History of the 619 Area Code
San Diego was part of area code 714 until 1982, when 619 was created. The new code covered a huge area, from the coast to the desert.
On March 23, 1997 the northern and desert parts were split off as 760. On June 12, 1999 the northern part of the city and its coastal suburbs became 858. In June 2018 the boundary between 619 and 858 was removed, and the two codes now work as an overlay.
How to Dial a 619 Number
Dial all ten digits for every call in this area.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 619 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 619 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 619 a Scam?
Most 619 calls are from real San Diego residents and businesses. Scam callers also spoof 619 numbers. San Diego has a large military community, and fake calls about military or veteran benefits are worth watching for.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Someone who says they are from the IRS, Social Security or a court and demands payment
- Tech support calls about a virus on your computer
- Investment or crypto offers from a company you do not know
- Texts that ask you to click a link to fix a billing problem
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 619 call
- Let it ring out and check the voicemail.
- Search the full number online before you call back.
- Block the number and report it.
- Report scam calls at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at donotcall.gov.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
How to Get a 619 Phone Number
A 619 number is easy to get, for personal or business use.
- Carriers: ask a carrier for a San Diego number. You may be offered 858 as well.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 619 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 619
| 858 | Same combined area as 619: San Diego |
| 760, 442 | North County and the desert: Oceanside, Escondido, Palm Springs |
| 949 | South Orange County: Irvine, Newport Beach |
| 951 | Riverside, Temecula |
Related guides: 949 area code for south Orange County, 213 area code for Los Angeles.
619 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 619?
San Diego, California, plus Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa and National City.
Are 619 and 858 the same area?
Yes. Since June 2018 the two codes have covered one combined area.
Is 619 in Southern California?
Yes. It is at the far southern end of the state, next to the Mexican border.
Is 619 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 619 area code points to San Diego. Treat unexpected calls with care, and verify any caller who asks for money or personal details.
