Alabama · Central Time
205 Area Code
The 205 area code is a telephone area code in Alabama, covering Birmingham and the surrounding area. It lies in the Central Time zone.
Last updated June 5, 2026
Where is the 205 area code?
205 serves Birmingham and nearby communities in Alabama. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Overlay codes serving Birmingham
Birmingham is served by an overlay of 2 area codes: 205, 659. Because more than one code covers the same area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes, so Birmingham numbers are no longer tied to a single prefix.
History of the 205 area code
205 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, when AT&T and Bell Laboratories created the North American Numbering Plan and divided the country into the first 86 numbering plan areas. It has served the Birmingham area ever since.
Is 205 a scam or spam risk?
205 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 205 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is local or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Alabama area codes
Explore more
See every code in Alabama, compare codes across the South region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 2XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
205 area code FAQ
Where is the 205 area code?
The 205 area code is in Alabama, serving Birmingham and the surrounding area in the South region.
What time zone is 205 in?
205 is in the Central Time zone.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 205?
Yes. Because Birmingham is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 205 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 205 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.