The 938 area code is an overlay serving northern Alabama, including Huntsville, Decatur, and Florence. Introduced in 2010, it was layered directly on top of the established 256 area code to supply fresh phone numbers across the booming Tennessee Valley region.
Quick Summary of the 938 Area Code
| Area Code | 938 |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| Region | Northern Alabama (Huntsville & Decatur) |
| Major Cities | Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Madison, Anniston, Gadsden, Athens, Albertville |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) – CST / CDT |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Geographic Coverage
The 938 area code shares an identical footprint with 256, covering Huntsville and Madison, Decatur and Athens in the Tennessee Valley, Florence in the Shoals region, and Anniston, Gadsden, and Albertville to the east and southeast. Because it is an overlay rather than a separate region, a 938 number and a 256 number can exist on the same street.
Time Zone
The 938 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 938 number at 11:00 AM local time.
Tip: Business hours across the 938 region generally run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday.
How to Dial a 938 Number
Because area code 938 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 (938 + 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 938, followed by the seven-digit local number.
Scam Alerts for the 938 Area Code
Like every U.S. area code, 938 has been used by scammers who spoof local numbers to appear trustworthy. Residents in Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Madison, Anniston, Gadsden, Athens, Albertville should stay alert to the following common tactics:
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| IRS / Tax Scams | Threatening calls demanding immediate tax payment via gift cards or wire transfer. |
| Utility Shut-off | Impostors claiming to be Huntsville Utilities threatening to cut power unless you pay now. |
| Federal Job / Clearance Scam | Fake defense-contractor or government hiring calls targeting Huntsville job seekers for personal data. |
| Tech Support Fraud | Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected and asking for remote access. |
If you receive a suspicious call from a 938 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 938 caller making such a demand is a scammer.
History and Economy of the 938 Region
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The 938 area code entered service in 2010 as an overlay for the entire 256 region. Overlays let regulators add a fresh supply of phone numbers to a crowded area without forcing existing customers to change their established numbers, so 938 covers precisely the same cities as 256. The regional economy is driven by Huntsville, the “Rocket City,” home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the Army’s Redstone Arsenal, and Cummings Research Park, making aerospace, defense, and technology the leading industries. Decatur adds riverfront manufacturing, the Shoals region around Florence is famous for its music heritage, and Gadsden anchors the eastern part of the region. Because 938 is the newer of the two northern-Alabama codes, it appears most often on recently activated mobile numbers and new business lines.
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Looking Up a 938 Number
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To identify a 938 caller, use a reverse phone lookup or search the complete 10-digit number online. Because 938 is a newer code often used for mobile numbers, some callers may have a smaller public footprint, so never share personal or financial details with an unverified caller.
Nearby & Related Area Codes
Alabama is served by several area codes. If you are researching 938, these neighboring and overlay codes are worth knowing:
- 256 – Northern Alabama (overlay partner)
- 205 – Central AL / Birmingham
- 659 – Central AL overlay
- 334 – Central & Southeastern AL / Montgomery
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 938 area code located?
The 938 area code serves northern Alabama as an overlay of 256, covering Huntsville, Decatur, Florence, Madison, Anniston, Gadsden, and Athens.
Why does 938 cover the same area as 256?
938 is an overlay added in 2010 because the 256 region ran short of available phone numbers. Both codes serve the exact same geographic area.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 938?
Yes. Overlay area codes like 938 always require 10-digit dialing for local calls.
Is the 938 area code Central Time?
Yes, the 938 area code follows Central Time (CST/CDT), like all of Alabama.
Related 938 Guides
- Is a 938 call safe? Read Is area code 938 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Local coverage: see the Huntsville area code guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.