The 205 area code serves central Alabama, including the state’s largest city of Birmingham and the university city of Tuscaloosa. One of the original area codes assigned in 1947, 205 covers the industrial and academic heart of Alabama and shares its footprint with the newer 659 overlay.
Quick Summary of the 205 Area Code
| Area Code | 205 |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| Region | Central Alabama (Birmingham & Tuscaloosa) |
| Major Cities | Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Jasper, Gardendale |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – CST / CDT |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Geographic Coverage
The 205 area code covers central Alabama, centered on Birmingham and its suburbs of Hoover, Bessemer, Vestavia Hills, and Homewood, extending west to Tuscaloosa, north to Jasper and Gardendale, and across the surrounding counties of the state’s central region. It is bordered by the 256 area code to the north and the 334 area code to the south.
Time Zone
The 205 area code observes Central Time (CT). Clocks follow Central Standard Time (UTC−6) in winter and shift to Central Daylight Time (UTC−5) from mid-March through early November. All of Alabama is on Central Time. From the West Coast, this region is two hours ahead of Pacific Time, so a 9:00 AM call in California reaches a 205 number at 11:00 AM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 205 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 205 Number
Because area code 205 operates as part of an overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local and long-distance call. You must dial the full 10-digit number (205 + the seven-digit line number) even when calling a neighbor across the street. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 205, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 205 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 205 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Jasper, Gardendale should stay alert to the following common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Callers claiming you owe back taxes and threatening arrest unless you pay immediately. |
| Utility Shut-off | Fake Alabama Power reps demanding payment to avoid disconnection. |
| Bank Fraud Alerts | Robocalls impersonating your bank about “suspicious activity” to phish account details. |
| Grandparent Scam | A caller posing as a relative in trouble asking for emergency wire transfers. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 205 number, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Do not share personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords over the phone.
- Hang up and verify by calling the organization back using an official number from its website.
- Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
- Block the number and consider registering with the National Do Not Call Registry.
Red Flag: Legitimate agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your local utility company (Alabama Power or Huntsville Utilities) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 205 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 205 Region
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Area code 205 is one of the original 86 codes established in 1947, and it once covered the entire state of Alabama before 334 (1995) and 256 (1998) were split off. As demand grew, the 659 overlay was added in 2019 across the same central-Alabama territory. Birmingham, once known as the “Pittsburgh of the South” for its steel and iron industry, has transformed into a center for banking and finance – anchored by Regions Financial – and for healthcare and biomedical research led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), one of the largest employers in the state. Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama and a major Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant nearby in Vance.
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Looking Up a 205 Number
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To identify a 205 caller, use a reverse phone lookup service or search the full 10-digit number online. Many Birmingham businesses, universities, and healthcare providers list their 205 numbers publicly, so a quick search often confirms a legitimate caller. For unknown numbers, let the call go to voicemail – genuine callers usually leave a message.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
Alabama is served by several area codes. If you are researching 205, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:
- 659 – Central Alabama overlay (same region)
- 256 – Northern AL / Huntsville
- 938 – Northern AL overlay
- 334 – Central & Southeastern AL / Montgomery
- 251 – Southern & Coastal AL / Mobile
You can also browse our full directory of Alabama area codes for more regional guides.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State – every area code across all 50 states in one directory.
Explore Neighboring States
Researching area codes just across the state line? Start with these codes in the states that border Alabama:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 205 area code located?
The 205 area code covers central Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Bessemer, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, and Jasper.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 205?
Yes. Because 205 shares an overlay with the 659 area code, you must dial all 10 digits for every local call.
What time zone is the 205 area code in?
The 205 area code is in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT), like all of Alabama.
Is 205 the same area as 659?
Yes. 659 is an overlay of 205, so both codes serve the exact same central-Alabama region.
Related 205 Guides
- Is a 205 call safe? Read Is area code 205 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Birmingham area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.