208 & 986 Explained

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Complete Guide to Idaho Area Codes: 208, 986 & Local Number Solutions

Looking to learn more about the Idaho area codes? Whether you're a resident, business owner, or researcher, our detailed post will cover everything you need to know about Idaho’s area code history.

Overview of Idaho Area Codes

Idaho is primarily served by two area codes:

208 – One of the original North American area codes
986 – Introduced in 2017 as an overlay

The 208 area code was one of the earliest codes in the U.S.. To prevent number exhaustion, 986 was implemented across the state.

Cities and Regions Covered by Idaho Area Codes

Since 986 is an overlay, all Idaho cities are served by both codes. Key locations with these codes are:

Boise
Idaho Falls
Coeur d’Alene
Twin Falls
Nampa
Pocatello

Smaller towns and rural communities also share these codes, thanks to the statewide overlay.

Why Idaho Added the 986 Area Code

By the early 2010s, projections showed Idaho’s 208 area code was running out of available phone numbers. The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and the Federal Communications Commission approved an all-services overlay with 986 in 2015, effective statewide by 2017.

How the Overlay Works

Rather than assigning a new area code to a specific region, the overlay allows both codes to be used everywhere in Idaho.

Impact on Dialing

10-digit dialing became mandatory statewide
Existing 208 numbers remained unchanged
New numbers may receive the 986 code

Virtual Phone Numbers in Idaho

Looking to establish business credibility with Idaho customers? Get a local Idaho number without the cost of a physical office.

Check out learn more about virtual phone numbers through Bling.

Using Idaho Numbers for Business

Customers often prefer to engage with numbers that appear local or familiar.

Get your Idaho business phone number to build instant credibility.

VoIP and Idaho Area Codes

With VoIP, you’re not tied to a physical location.

Explore VoIP solutions for Idaho businesses.

Phone Number Lookup and Spam Detection

Ever received a suspicious call from a 208 or 986 number?:

Don't return missed calls blindly—verify them first.

Watch: How Area Codes Are Managed

Watch this short YouTube explainer on how area codes like Idaho’s are planned, approved, and rolled out nationally.

Idaho Area Code Lookup Resources

Modern Business Calling in Idaho

Never miss a customer call again with call management tools tailored for Idaho businesses.

Visit Bling’s business phone system to explore all features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What area codes are used in Idaho?

Idaho uses two area codes: 208 and 986

Why was the 986 area code added to Idaho?

986 was added as an overlay to 208 due to the growing demand for phone numbers

Do I need to change my number if I live in Idaho?

You can keep your number; only new numbers how many area codes in Idaho may receive 986

Can I get a virtual phone number with an Idaho area code?

Yes, you can choose between 208 and 986 for your virtual number

Are Idaho area codes affected by spam or robocalls?

Use tools like TrueCaller, Nomorobo, or Whitepages to check caller ID

Final Thoughts on Idaho Area Codes

Idaho’s area codes are more than just numbers—they’re a part of the state’s identity and essential to personal and business communication.

Get started with a local Idaho number and stay connected anywhere

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208 & 986 EXPLAINED

208 & 986 Explained