The 908 area code covers north-central New Jersey. Elizabeth, Plainfield, Westfield, Somerville and Flemington are all in it. It is one of only two area codes in the state that still have no overlay.
This guide lists the counties and towns in 908 and explains the time zone, the history and how to treat unknown 908 calls.
908 Area Code Quick Facts
| State | New Jersey |
| Location | North-central New Jersey, including Elizabeth, Plainfield and Somerville |
| Time zone | Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving time) |
| In service since | June 8, 1991 |
| Type | 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 908 Area Code Located?
Area code 908 is located west and southwest of Newark. It serves Union, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties and parts of Morris and northern Middlesex counties. Main places:
- Elizabeth
- Plainfield
- Linden
- Westfield
- Summit
- Somerville
- Bridgewater
- Flemington
- Phillipsburg
What Time Zone Is the 908 Area Code In?
North-central New Jersey 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 908 Area Code
- 1947: all of New Jersey is in 201.
- June 8, 1991: 908 is split from 201. About 1.5 million phone lines move to the new code.
- 1997: the central and shore portion of 908 is split off as 732.
- October 2021: ten-digit dialing becomes required because of the new 988 crisis line.
The original code is covered in our 201 area code guide, and the shore side in our 732 area code guide.
Still Without an Overlay
Most New Jersey codes were given an overlay around 2001. 908 was not, and neither was 856 in the south of the state. That means every geographic number in this area still starts with 908, which is increasingly rare in the Northeast. The area itself stretches from the busy port and airport district around Elizabeth to quiet farm country near the Delaware River.
How to Dial a 908 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 + 908 + the seven-digit number
- From another country: your exit code + 1 + 908 + the seven-digit number
Is a Call From 908 a Scam?
A 908 call is usually a local resident, a pharmaceutical or logistics employer, or a small business. Fake calls about utility bills and court fines are the most common unwanted calls to watch for.
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 908 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 908 Phone Number
A local 908 number helps a business look established in North-central New Jersey.
- Carriers: any new line in the area gets a 908 number, since it is the only code there.
- VoIP and virtual number providers: search by area code, pick a 908 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 908
| 973, 862 | Newark, Morristown, Paterson |
| 732, 848 | New Brunswick, Edison, the Jersey Shore |
| 201, 551 | Jersey City, Hackensack |
| 609, 640 | Trenton, Princeton |
| 610, 484, 835 | Easton and Allentown, Pennsylvania |
Related guides: 201 area code for northern New Jersey, 732 area code for central New Jersey, 267 area code for Philadelphia.
908 Area Code FAQs
Where is area code 908?
In north-central New Jersey, including Elizabeth, Plainfield, Westfield, Somerville and Flemington.
Does 908 have an overlay?
No. It is one of two New Jersey area codes without one.
Is 908 a New York area code?
No. It is in New Jersey.
What time zone is 908?
Eastern Time.
Is 908 a toll-free number?
No. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.
Final Word
The 908 area code covers north-central New Jersey on Eastern Time and has been in service since 1991. Verify unknown callers before you pay or share anything.
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