The 302 area code is the single area code serving the entire state of Delaware, the second-smallest state in the country. Assigned in 1947 as one of the original area codes, 302 has covered all of the First State on its own ever since.
Quick Summary of the 302 Area Code
| Area Code | 302 |
| State | Delaware (DE) |
| Region | Statewide Delaware |
| Major Cities | Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna, Milford, Seaford, Georgetown |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Dialing Format | 7 or 10-digit dialing |
Geographic Coverage
The 302 area code is a statewide code covering all three of Delaware’s counties, including the largest city of Wilmington and the university city of Newark in the north, the state capital of Dover in the center, the fast-growing town of Middletown, and the southern cities of Milford, Seaford, and Georgetown in Sussex County near the Atlantic beaches. It borders Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Time Zone
The 302 area code observes Eastern Time (ET). Clocks follow Eastern Standard Time (UTC−5) in winter and shift to Eastern Daylight Time (UTC−4) from mid-March through early November. All of Delaware is on Eastern Time, the same as neighboring Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. From the West Coast, this region is three hours ahead of Pacific Time, so a 9:00 AM call in California reaches a 302 number at 12:00 PM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 302 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 302 Number
Area code 302 is not part of an overlay, and as the only area code in Delaware it has traditionally allowed 7-digit local dialing within the state. However, 10-digit dialing is now the recommended nationwide standard, and dialing the full 10-digit number (302 + the seven-digit line number) always works reliably. For international callers, dial your country’s exit code, then +1 (the North American country code), then 302, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 302 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 302 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents across Delaware 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 Delmarva 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 302 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 Delaware Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit.
- 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 (Delmarva Power) will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Any 302 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 302 Region
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Area code 302 is one of the original 86 codes established in 1947, and because Delaware is one of the smallest states, a single code has always been sufficient. The regional economy is shaped by Delaware’s famous business-friendly laws: more than a million companies, including a majority of Fortune 500 firms, are legally incorporated in the state, and Wilmington is a major center for corporate law, banking, and credit-card operations thanks to favorable financial regulations. The chemical industry, rooted in the historic DuPont company, remains important, Dover anchors state government and Dover Air Force Base, the University of Delaware drives education in Newark, and Sussex County combines a large poultry industry with tax-free beach tourism at Rehoboth and Lewes.
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Looking Up a 302 Number
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To identify a 302 caller, use a reverse phone lookup service or search the full 10-digit number online. Many Delaware businesses, government offices, and healthcare providers list their 302 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
Delaware is served by the single 302 area code, with no overlay. These neighboring area codes are worth knowing:
You can also browse our full directory of Delaware 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 Delaware:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 302 area code located?
The 302 area code covers the entire state of Delaware, including Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna, Milford, Seaford, and Georgetown.
Does Delaware have more than one area code?
No. Delaware is served entirely by the single 302 area code, one of the few states covered by just one code with no overlay.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 302?
As the only area code in Delaware, 302 has historically allowed 7-digit local dialing, but dialing the full 10 digits is now the recommended standard and always works.
What time zone is the 302 area code in?
The 302 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT), like all of Delaware.
Related 302 Guides
- Is a 302 call safe? Read Is area code 302 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Wilmington area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.