The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) advises Californians that the new 738 area code will be added as an additional overlay to the existing 213/323 area code overlay region starting November 1, 2024.
With new telephone numbers in the 213/323 area code region in high demand, the CPUC in March 2023 approved the implementation of an additional area code overlay, which adds a third area code to the geographic region served by the existing 213 and 323 area codes. The new 738 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the 213 and 323 area codes.
The 213/323 area code serves downtown Los Angeles, Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Commerce, Cudahy, Glendale, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, West Hollywood, and unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County.
Starting on November 1, 2024, customers in the 213/323 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 738 area code when they request new service or an additional line. Customers receiving a 738 area code will be required to dial 1 + the area code and phone number for all local calls, just as customers with telephone numbers from the 213 and 323 area codes do today.
Below are some key facts about the 213/323/738 area code overlay:
- Telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call.
- Customers in the overlay region will continue to dial 1+10 digits for local calls within and between the overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.
- Customers still can dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if those are currently available in their community.
Customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates, and others. Customers should ensure their websites, personal and business stationery, and printed checks, advertising materials, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags include the area code.
Customers should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the new 738 area code as a valid area code and should continue to store or program telephone numbers as 10-digit numbers. Some examples include but are not limited to: stored telephone numbers in contact lists in wireless or cordless phones, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems and gates, ankle monitors, and/or other similar equipment.
For more information, please contact your local telephone service provider or visit the CPUC’s website.
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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