Looking for the area code for Denver, Colorado? The Mile High City is served by three overlapping codes — 303, 720, and the newest addition, 983 — all covering the same Denver metro region. This guide breaks down exactly which codes cover Denver and its neighborhoods, how to dial locally and internationally, the ZIP codes involved, and how to protect yourself from scam calls.
Denver Area Codes: Fast Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code | 303 |
| Overlay Area Codes | 720, 983 |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time (MST / MDT) |
| Major County | Denver County |
| Region | Denver Metro / Front Range |
| Country Code | +1 (USA) |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
Denver sits at the center of Colorado’s Front Range, and the entire metro is covered by a three-code overlay that shares the same geography:
- Area code 303 — the original code for the Denver metro, in service since 1947. It covers the City and County of Denver, including Downtown and LoDo, Capitol Hill, Five Points, RiNo, Cherry Creek, Washington Park, the Highlands, and Central Park (Stapleton).
- Area code 720 — the first overlay, added in 1998 across the same metro region as 303.
- Area code 983 — the newest overlay, introduced to add fresh numbers across the same Denver-area footprint.
Because 720 and 983 overlay 303, all three codes serve identical neighborhoods across Denver and the surrounding metro — a number’s code simply reflects when it was issued, not where in the city it is.
As the economic hub of the Rocky Mountain region, Denver anchors a metro that stretches from the foothills to the eastern plains, and its 303/720/983 numbers are shared with dozens of surrounding communities. A local Denver number does not pin down an exact neighborhood, because all three codes are issued citywide.
Local Dialing Rules & International Calling
Because Denver is covered by an overlay, the metro requires mandatory 10-digit dialing on every call. Always include the area code, even for a call across the street.
- Local / domestic: dial 303-XXX-XXXX (or 720- / 983-XXX-XXXX).
- 11-digit: you can also dial 1-303-XXX-XXXX; the leading 1 is the country code for the US.
- International: dial your country’s exit code, then +1 303 XXX XXXX — for example, 00 1 303 XXX XXXX from the UK or Europe, or +1 303 XXX XXXX from any mobile phone.
Major ZIP Codes Covered
Denver’s numbers align with ZIP codes across the city and county, including 80202 (Downtown/LoDo), 80203, 80218 (Capitol Hill), 80205 (Five Points/RiNo), 80206 (Cherry Creek), 80209 (Wash Park), 80211 (Highlands), 80220, 80230, and 80238 (Central Park).
Spam & Scam Call Warnings for Denver
Scammers often spoof local 303, 720, and 983 numbers so their calls appear to come from a neighbor or a nearby business. Denver residents commonly report:
| Scam type | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Utility (Xcel Energy) impersonation | Threats to shut off power unless you pay immediately |
| Government impersonation | Fake IRS or Social Security calls demanding payment |
| Bank & card fraud alerts | Claims of “suspicious activity” seeking account details |
| Auto-warranty robocalls | Recorded warnings that your vehicle warranty is expiring |
To stay safe: never share personal or financial details with an unexpected caller, block suspicious numbers, and verify unfamiliar callers with a reverse phone lookup before calling back. If a call feels urgent or threatening, hang up and call the organization back on an official number. Report unwanted calls to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and register at DoNotCall.gov.
Nearby Colorado Cities
Explore area codes for other Denver Metro cities: Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, and Westminster. See more on our Colorado hub or browse all US city area-code guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the area code for Denver?
Denver’s primary area code is 303, with 720 and 983 overlaying the same metro region.
What is the 983 area code in Colorado?
983 is the newest overlay for the Denver metro, covering the same area as 303 and 720. It was added to supply new phone numbers as the older codes filled up.
What time zone is Denver in?
Denver is in the Mountain Time Zone (MST/MDT) and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Do I have to dial the area code in Denver?
Yes — because of the 303/720/983 overlay, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls in the Denver metro.
Is 720 a cell phone area code?
Not specifically. Many Denver cell phones use 720 because it was added as newer numbers were issued, but 720 — like 303 and 983 — is assigned to landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP lines across the metro.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.