The 817 area code is the Fort Worth area code. It covers Fort Worth, Arlington and the western half of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. It shares the area with 682.
Here are the cities in 817, the time zone, the history and what to do about unknown 817 calls.
817 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | Texas |
| Location | Fort Worth, Arlington and the western Dallas-Fort Worth area |
| Time zone | Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | 1953 |
| Type | Geographic area code |
| Shares its area with | 682 (overlay since October 7, 2000) |
| Toll-free? | No, it is a regular geographic area code |
Check any other code with our free area code lookup tool.
Where Is the 817 Area Code Located?
Area code 817 is located in North Texas, mostly in Tarrant County. Main cities:
- Fort Worth
- Arlington
- Grapevine
- Euless
- Bedford
- Southlake
- Colleyville
Dallas and its own suburbs are next door in 214, 469, 972 and 945.
What Time Zone Is the 817 Area Code In?
Fort Worth is on Central Time.
- Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6, in winter
- Central Daylight Time (CDT), UTC-5, from mid March to early November
That makes it one hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles. Check the clock before you dial, especially if you are several time zones away.
History of the 817 Area Code
- 1947: Texas starts with four area codes. The Fort Worth area is split between 214 and 915.
- 1953: 817 is created, mostly from the 915 area, and Fort Worth gets its own code.
- July 25, 1997: a three-way split shrinks 817. The north, including Wichita Falls and Denton, becomes 940. The south, including Waco, Temple and Killeen, becomes 254.
- October 7, 2000: 682 is added as an overlay.
A 2023 forecast estimated that the western metroplex will not need a third area code until about 2038.
Fort Worth vs Dallas Numbers
The two cities are only about 30 miles apart, but they have always had separate area codes. 817 and 682 mean the Fort Worth side. 214, 469, 972 and 945 mean the Dallas side. The big airport that sits between them and the cities around it are where the two numbering areas meet. Read more in our 214 area code guide and 469 area code guide.
How to Dial a 817 Number
You need the area code for every call, even a local one.
- From the US or Canada: 1 + 817 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 817 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 817 a Scam?
An 817 call is usually from a resident or business in Tarrant County. Airlines, defense manufacturers, rail companies and stadium venues in the area all place calls from 817 and 682 numbers.
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 817 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 817 Phone Number
Want a 817 number of your own? There are a few ways to get one.
- Carriers: new lines on the Fort Worth side get 817 or 682 depending on supply.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 817 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 817
| 682 | Same area as 817 |
| 214, 469, 972, 945 | Dallas, Plano, Irving |
| 940 | Denton, Wichita Falls |
| 254 | Waco, Killeen, Temple |
| 325 | Abilene, San Angelo |
Related guides: 214 area code for Dallas, 469 area code for Dallas, 512 area code for Austin.
817 Area Code FAQs
What city is area code 817?
Fort Worth, Texas. It also covers Arlington, Grapevine, Euless and Bedford.
Is 817 Dallas?
No. It is the Fort Worth side of the metroplex. Dallas uses 214, 469, 972 and 945.
What is area code 682?
It is the overlay for the 817 area and has been in service since October 7, 2000.
What time zone is 817?
Central Time.
Is 817 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 817 area code covers Fort Worth and Arlington on Central Time. It has been in service since 1953 and shares its area with 682. Let unknown callers leave a message before you respond.
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