West region · Mountain Time
Idaho Area Codes
All 2 area codes serving Idaho, the cities each one covers, and which are overlays. Idaho is served by 2 area codes in the Mountain Time zone.
Last updated October 3, 2026
Full list
Every Idaho area code
Idaho is served by 2 area codes in the Mountain Time zone. 1 of these are overlay codes layered over busy metros; the rest are geographic codes. Southern Idaho (Boise) is Mountain; the Panhandle north of the Salmon River is Pacific.
| Code | Area served | Type | In service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 208 | The entire state of Idaho | Geographic | Since 1947 |
| 986 | The entire state of Idaho | Overlay | Since 2017 |
Area codes and dialing in Idaho
Idaho's 2 area codes mix older geographic codes with newer overlays. The busiest metros — around Boise — carry the most numbers and rely on overlays, which is why 10-digit dialing is required there. Quieter parts of the state may still use a single code. The oldest code in Idaho is 208 (Boise), one of the original 1947 area codes.
Whenever a Idaho region runs low on numbers, a new overlay is added on top rather than splitting the map, so existing customers keep their numbers. See 10-digit dialing for what that means in practice, or the newest area codes for upcoming changes.
Idaho city area code pages
Look up the area codes for a specific Idaho city: Boise.
Browse Idaho another way
Explore by West region, by time zone, or jump to the city index. You can also see the complete numeric list of every US area code.
Quick answers
Idaho area code FAQ
How many area codes does Idaho have?
Idaho currently has 2 area codes: 208, 986.
What is the main area code for Idaho?
Idaho has no single main code. Its original 1947 area code was 208; today the main cities are served by 208 (Boise), 986 (Boise).
Does Idaho require 10-digit dialing?
Yes, in its overlay areas you must dial all 10 digits, even for local calls. Dialing all 10 digits always works, so it is the safe habit.