North Carolina · Eastern Time
Wilmington, NC Area Codes
Wilmington is served by 2 area codes (472, 910). Here's which is original, which are overlays, and how to pick one for a new local number.
Last updated October 3, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Area codes serving Wilmington
Wilmington sits in North Carolina, part of the South region and the Eastern Time zone. Its numbers are spread across an overlay of 2 codes that all cover the same ground: 472, 910.
The original code is 910 (in service since 1993). As the area ran low on numbers, regulators added overlay codes on top instead of splitting the city, so longtime residents kept their numbers while new lines received a newer code.
| Code | Area served | In service |
|---|---|---|
| 472 | Southeastern North Carolina, including Fayetteville, Wilmington and Jacksonville | October 7, 2022 |
| 910 | Southeastern North Carolina, including Fayetteville, Wilmington and Jacksonville | November 14, 1993 |
Nearby cities sharing these area codes
- Fayetteville
- Jacksonville
- Lumberton
- Hope Mills
- Leland
- Spring Lake
- Southern Pines
- Pinehurst
- Laurinburg
- Clinton
- Whiteville
- Rockingham
How to pick an area code for a new number
When you activate a new line in Wilmington, the carrier assigns whichever code has numbers available — you usually can't choose. If a specific code matters to you (for example the prestige of 910), ask the carrier whether any blocks remain, or request a number transfer. All codes here dial identically and cost the same.
Dialing in Wilmington
Because Wilmington is an overlay area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory: always dial the area code plus the seven-digit number, even for a neighbor. From outside the US, dial +1, then the area code and number. See 10-digit dialing and overlay area codes for the background. For every code in North Carolina, visit the North Carolina area codes page.
Quick answers
Wilmington area code FAQ
What area codes does Wilmington use?
Wilmington, NC is served by 2 area codes: 472, 910.
Which is the original Wilmington area code?
910 is the original code for Wilmington, in service since 1993; the others were added later for more numbers.
What time zone is Wilmington in?
Wilmington is in the Eastern Time zone.
Do I need to dial the area code in Wilmington?
Yes. With multiple overlapping codes, 10-digit dialing is required for every call in this area.