The
404 area code is one of the most recognizable telephone area codes in the United States, serving Atlanta, Georgia, and its closest suburbs. Established in 1947 as one of the original 86 North American area codes, this historic code has become synonymous with Atlanta’s identity and continues to be a vital part of the city’s telecommunications infrastructure. The 404 area code operates within the Eastern Time Zone and covers the heart of metropolitan Atlanta, including downtown, Midtown, and several key neighborhoods.
What is the 404 Area Code?
The
404 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that primarily serves Atlanta, Georgia, and its immediate surrounding areas. When it was first introduced in 1947, the 404 area code covered the entire state of Georgia, making it one of the original area codes established by AT&T and the Bell System. Over the decades, as Georgia’s population grew and demand for telephone numbers increased, the coverage area was gradually reduced to focus on the Atlanta metropolitan region.
Today, the 404 area code encompasses roughly the area encircled by Interstate 285, creating what telecommunications experts call an “enclave area code” because it is entirely surrounded by area code 770. The region covered by 404 includes major portions of Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties, along with cellular phone coverage extending to parts of Cobb, Douglas, and Gwinnett counties.
The 404 area code was established on January 1, 1947, and has undergone several modifications throughout its history. Most notably, it was split in 1995 when area code 770 was created to serve Atlanta’s suburbs, and it has since been overlaid with additional area codes (678, 470, and 943) to meet the growing demand for telephone numbers in the rapidly expanding Atlanta metropolitan area.
404 Area Code Location & Coverage
Cities and Regions Covered
The 404 area code serves numerous cities and communities throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. The primary city covered is Atlanta itself, which serves as Georgia’s capital and largest city. Other significant cities and areas within the 404 area code include Clarkston, Scottdale, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates, East Point, Union City, College Park, Hapeville, North Atlanta, Decatur, North Druid Hills, North Decatur, Belvedere Park, Druid Hills, Panthersville, Pine Lake, Forest Park, Morrow, Conley, Lake City, and Vinings.
The coverage area extends across multiple counties, with the most significant coverage in Fulton County (which includes Atlanta, Sandy Springs, East Point, Union City, College Park, and Hapeville), DeKalb County (covering North Atlanta, Decatur, North Druid Hills, North Decatur, Belvedere Park, Druid Hills, Clarkston, Scottdale, Panthersville, Avondale Estates, and Pine Lake), Clayton County (including Forest Park, Morrow, Conley, and Lake City), and portions of Cobb County (such as Vinings).
Geographic Coverage Map
The 404 area code covers approximately the central core of the Atlanta metropolitan area, roughly corresponding to the area within Interstate 285, also known as “the Perimeter.” This geographic boundary creates a distinct service area that encompasses Atlanta’s downtown business district, Midtown cultural area, and many of the city’s most established neighborhoods. The coverage area spans approximately 792,085 phone numbers and serves a diverse population of over 2.5 million people when combined with its overlay codes.
Time Zone Information
| Detail |
Information |
| Time Zone |
Eastern Standard Time (EST) / Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) |
| UTC Offset |
UTC-5 (EST) / UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Current Time |
Loading… |
| Observes DST |
Yes |
The 404 area code operates within the Eastern Time Zone, which is also known as America/New_York in international time zone designations. During standard time (typically from early November to early March), the region observes Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). During daylight saving time (from early March to early November), the area observes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is four hours behind UTC (UTC-4).
404 Area Code Details
| Information |
Details |
| Area Code |
404 |
| State |
Georgia |
| Major City |
Atlanta |
| Established |
1947 |
| Type |
Geographic |
| Overlay Codes |
470, 678, 943 (overlays 404 and 770) |
The 404 area code is classified as a geographic area code, meaning it is tied to a specific geographic region rather than being portable across different locations. It shares its service area with several overlay codes, including 470 (introduced in 2010), 678 (introduced in 1998), and the newest addition, 943 (introduced in March 2022). These overlay codes serve the same geographic area as both 404 and 770, creating one of the most complex numbering plan areas in the United States.
History of 404 Area Code
When Was 404 Created?
The 404 area code was created in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan implementation. It was among the first 86 area codes established by AT&T and the Bell System to standardize telephone numbering across North America. Initially, the 404 area code served the entire state of Georgia, reflecting the lower population density and reduced demand for telephone numbers at that time.
The creation of the 404 area code was part of a broader effort to modernize the American telephone system and prepare for expected growth in telephone usage following World War II. The middle digit “0” in the area code was significant, as it indicated that this area code originally covered an entire state, following the numbering conventions established in the 1940s.
Area Code Changes and Overlays
The history of the 404 area code reflects Atlanta’s remarkable growth over the past several decades. The first major change occurred on July 1, 1954, when the southern portion of Georgia was split off to create area code 912, reducing 404’s coverage to the northern half of the state. Despite this reduction, 404 remained unchanged for nearly four decades as Atlanta continued to grow.
By the early 1990s, the rapid growth in Atlanta’s population and the increasing demand for telephone numbers, particularly with the rise of cellular phones, fax machines, and internet dial-up services, necessitated further changes. On May 3, 1992, area code 706 was created to serve areas outside the metropolitan Atlanta region. However, the most significant change came on August 1, 1995, when area code 770 was introduced to serve Atlanta’s suburbs, leaving 404 to focus primarily on the city center and closest suburbs.
The introduction of overlay codes began on January 1, 1998, with area code 678, followed by area code 470 on September 2, 2001, and most recently, area code 943 on March 15, 2022. These overlays were necessary to meet the continued high demand for telephone numbers in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States.
How to Call 404 Area Code
Dialing Within the Area Code
When making calls within the 404 area code region, callers must use 10-digit dialing due to the presence of multiple overlay area codes serving the same geographic area. This means you must dial the complete area code followed by the seven-digit phone number, formatted as 404-XXX-XXXX. Ten-digit dialing has been mandatory throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area since the introduction of the first overlay code in 1998.
Dialing From Other Area Codes
When calling a 404 number from outside the Atlanta metropolitan area or from other area codes, you must dial 1 followed by the area code and seven-digit phone number. The format is 1-404-XXX-XXXX. This long-distance dialing format applies to calls made from anywhere in the United States or Canada outside the local calling area.
International Dialing
For international callers wanting to reach a 404 number, the format includes the country code for the United States, which is +1, followed by the area code and phone number. The complete international dialing format is +1-404-XXX-XXXX. International callers should check with their service provider for any applicable international calling rates or special dialing instructions.
Nearby Area Codes
| Area Code |
Location |
Distance |
| 770 |
Atlanta Suburbs, Marietta, GA |
Adjacent/Surrounding |
| 678 |
Atlanta Metro Area, GA |
Overlay (Same Area) |
| 470 |
Atlanta Metro Area, GA |
Overlay (Same Area) |
| 943 |
Atlanta Metro Area, GA |
Overlay (Same Area) |
| 706 |
Augusta, Athens, Columbus, GA |
75-150 miles |
| 478 |
Macon, Warner Robins, GA |
85 miles south |
| 912 |
Savannah, Brunswick, GA |
250 miles southeast |
| 256 |
Huntsville, Decatur, AL |
100 miles northwest |
The 404 area code is surrounded by and overlaid with several other area codes, creating one of the most complex numbering plan areas in the southeastern United States. Area code 770 completely surrounds 404, serving Atlanta’s suburbs and outlying areas. The overlay codes 678, 470, and 943 serve the same geographic area as both 404 and 770, allowing for increased numbering capacity without requiring customers to change their existing phone numbers.
Population & Demographics
The 404 area code region serves a population of approximately 2.6 million people when combined with its overlay codes, making it one of the most densely populated area code regions in the southeastern United States. Atlanta itself, as the primary city within the 404 area code, has a population of over 500,000 within the city limits and serves as the anchor of a metropolitan area exceeding 6 million residents.
The region covered by the 404 area code is characterized by its diverse demographics, robust economy, and significant cultural influence. Atlanta serves as a major economic hub for the southeastern United States, hosting the headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, UPS, and The Home Depot. The area is also home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, which contributes significantly to the region’s economic vitality.
The 404 area code region has experienced substantial growth in recent decades, driven by Atlanta’s emergence as a major business, transportation, and cultural center. This growth has been accompanied by significant demographic diversification and economic development, making the area attractive to businesses, residents, and visitors from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities does the 404 area code cover?
The 404 area code primarily covers Atlanta, Georgia, and its closest suburbs, including Clarkston, Scottdale, Stone Mountain, Avondale Estates, East Point, Union City, College Park, Hapeville, and several other communities within the metropolitan Atlanta area.
What time zone is the 404 area code in?
The 404 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone, observing Eastern Standard Time (EST) during winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during summer months.
When was the 404 area code established?
The 404 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original 86 area codes in the North American Numbering Plan, initially covering the entire state of Georgia.
What are the overlay area codes for 404?
The 404 area code is overlaid with area codes 678 (since 1998), 470 (since 2001), and 943 (since March 2022), all serving the same geographic area.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Atlanta?
Yes, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within the Atlanta metropolitan area, including local calls within the same area code, due to the presence of multiple overlay area codes.
Is 404 a toll-free area code?
No, 404 is not a toll-free area code. It is a standard geographic area code, and normal calling charges apply based on your phone service plan.
Can I get a 404 phone number if I don’t live in Atlanta?
While 404 numbers are primarily assigned to the Atlanta area, many virtual phone service providers can provide 404 numbers for business use regardless of your physical location.
Conclusion
The 404 area code represents much more than just a set of numbers – it embodies Atlanta’s rich telecommunications history and continued growth as a major metropolitan area. From its origins as one of the first 86 area codes established in 1947 to its current status as part of a complex overlay system serving millions of residents, the 404 area code has evolved alongside Atlanta’s transformation into a major international city. Whether you’re a business looking to establish a local presence in Atlanta or a resident seeking to understand your area’s telecommunications landscape, the 404 area code remains an integral part of Atlanta’s identity and continued connectivity to the world.
For current local times around the world, visit
CheckDateTime.com. Need timing tools for your projects? Check out our
Timer Tools section. For more telecommunications and time zone guides, explore our
Blog Guides Section.
