The 973 area code serves Newark and northern New Jersey, covering Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties. Created in 1997 in a split from the historic 201 code, it is now overlaid by area code 862. If a 973 number has appeared on your caller ID, this guide explains where it comes from, how to dial it, and how to stay safe from spoofed calls.
Quick Summary: Area Code 973 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Area Code | 973 |
| State | New Jersey (NJ) |
| Major Cities | Newark, Paterson, Clifton, Montclair |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Country Code | +1 (USA) |
| Overlay Codes | 862 (co-located) |
Geographic Coverage & Major Cities
Area code 973 covers north-central New Jersey west of the Hudson counties, including Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties.
- Newark – the largest city in New Jersey and a major transportation hub
- Paterson & Clifton – major Passaic County cities
- Montclair & Bloomfield – established Essex County suburbs
- Morristown & Wayne – Morris and Passaic County communities
From the port and airport of Newark to leafy suburban towns, a 973 number is closely tied to the identity of northern New Jersey.
A Brief History of Area Code 973
Area code 973 was created in 1997 in a split from the 201 code, taking Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties as northern New Jersey grew. The 862 overlay was added over the same region in 2001, and 10-digit dialing became mandatory.
Time Zone & Best Time to Call
Numbers in the 973 area code use Eastern Time (ET). The region observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting from EST (UTC-5) to EDT (UTC-4) between March and November each year.
How to Dial Phone Numbers in Area Code 973
Because 973 shares its region under an overlay, the area requires 10-digit dialing on every call.
Calling within the United States or Canada
- 10-digit dialing: Include the area code – 973-XXX-XXXX.
- 11-digit dialing: You can also dial 1-973-XXX-XXXX; the leading 1 is the NANP country code.
Calling from outside the United States
- Format: [exit code] + 1 + 973 + XXX + XXXX
- From the UK, Europe, or most of Asia/Africa: 00 1 973 XXX XXXX
- From any mobile phone worldwide: +1 973 XXX XXXX
Is Area Code 973 a Scam? Safety & Protection Tips
Area code 973 is a legitimate New Jersey area code – a call from it is not fraudulent by default. However, scammers frequently spoof local codes like 973, faking the caller ID so their number appears to come from a trusted local line. Neighbor spoofing, which mimics the first six digits of your own number, is especially common.
Common scam tactics linked to this region
| Scam type | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Government impersonation | Callers posing as the IRS or SSA threatening arrest or fines |
| Bank & card fraud alerts | Claims of suspicious activity seeking your account details |
| Utility shut-off threats | Fake PSE&G disconnection demands |
| Package delivery scams | Fake texts or calls about a failed delivery with a bad link |
How to report, block, and look up 973 callers
- Never share personal or financial details with an unexpected caller, however urgent they sound.
- Block the number using your phone’s built-in call-blocking feature or a reputable call-screening app.
- Look up the number with a trusted reverse phone lookup before returning any call.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at DoNotCall.gov.
Nearby & Related Area Codes in New Jersey
Area code 973 shares and borders several other New Jersey codes:
- 862 – the overlay that shares northern New Jersey with 973 (see our 862 area code guide)
- 201 & 551 – Hudson and Bergen counties to the east (see our 201 area code guide)
- 908 – central-northern New Jersey to the south (see our 908 area code guide)
- 732 & 848 – central New Jersey and the shore to the southeast (see our 732 area code guide)
Explore more codes across the state on our New Jersey area codes hub, or browse every prefix in our US area codes directory.
↑ 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 New Jersey:
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 973
Where is the 973 area code located?
Area code 973 covers Newark and northern New Jersey, including Paterson, Clifton, Montclair, and Morristown. It operates on Eastern Time and is overlaid by area code 862.
What is the difference between 973 and 862?
There is no geographic difference. 862 is an overlay covering the exact same northern-NJ territory as 973; it was added in 2001 simply to supply more phone numbers.
Is 973 a landline or cell phone area code?
Both. Area code 973 serves landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP numbers throughout northern New Jersey.
Should I answer a call from an unknown 973 number?
If you are not expecting the call, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers leave a message, while spoofed or robocall numbers usually will not. Verify any unfamiliar number with a reverse lookup before calling back.
Related 973 Guides
- Is a 973 call safe? Read Is area code 973 a scam? Spam & safety guide.
- Worried about spam or robocalls? Browse our Scam Alerts directory.