Area Code 801: Coverage, Cities, and More

Area code 801 is a telephone area code serving Utah's Wasatch Front region, including Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and surrounding communities. As one of North America's original area codes established in 1947, the 801 area code now operates alongside overlay area code 385, requiring 10-digit dialing for all local calls in the Mountain Time zone.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 801 area code and 385 overlay: which Utah cities and counties use these phone numbers, proper dialing procedures, E.164 formatting for developers, and regulatory compliance for businesses. The 801/385 region stretches from Santaquin to Logan across five counties – Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber – serving approximately 2.6 million residents.

What is Area Code 801? History and Evolution

Established on January 1, 1947, area code 801 was among the original 86 area codes in the United States. In the 1947 NANP system, low-digit codes (requiring fewer rotary dial pulses) went to high-population areas. The middle digit "0" indicated statewide coverage – state-wide area codes used "0" as the middle digit, while area codes covering only part of a state used "1" as the middle digit. (Wikipedia - Original North American Area Codes, accessed January 2025)

Initially, 801 covered the entire state of Utah. As the population grew and demand for telephone numbers surged, on September 21, 1997, the coverage contracted to the Wasatch Front only, with the rest of Utah receiving area code 435. This created one of the few "doughnut area codes" in the NANP – entirely surrounded by another area code. Continued growth from fax machines, pagers, and cell phones required additional capacity.

Area code 385 launched on March 30, 2008 as an overlay to 801. An overlay means both area codes serve the same geographic region, requiring 10-digit dialing for all local calls. Mandatory 10-digit dialing took effect on February 28, 2009 for all calls within the 801/385 region.

Why Overlay Instead of Split: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chose an overlay rather than a geographic split to avoid customer disruption. A geographic split would have required approximately half of customers to change their area codes and update business cards, stationery, advertising, and equipment. An overlay lets all existing 801 customers keep their numbers while providing 792 additional prefixes (approximately 7.9 million new phone numbers) through area code 385. FCC regulations require overlays to apply to all services equally to prevent anti-competitive effects and ensure dialing parity. (NANPA Area Code Relief FAQs, accessed January 2025)

Most new numbers now receive the 385 area code, demonstrating the overlay strategy's effectiveness.

Where is Area Code 801? Geographic Coverage and Cities

Area code 801, along with its overlay 385, covers five counties: Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber – collectively known as the Wasatch Front. This region serves approximately 2.6 million residents as of 2024. The four major Wasatch Front counties (Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber—excluding Morgan County) added 36,730 new residents between 2023 and 2024, accounting for 72.9% of Utah's total population growth. (Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, accessed June 2025)

Population by County (2024 estimates):

• Salt Lake County: 1,216,274 residents—Utah's most populous county
• Utah County: 747,234 residents (note: southern Utah County uses area code 385/801; northern portions may use 801/385)
• Davis County: 378,470 residents
• Weber County: 276,118 residents
• Morgan County: 13,093 residents

(Utah Demographics - Counties by Population, accessed January 2025)

Key cities within this area code include:

• Salt Lake City: Utah's capital and largest city (population 215,548) – a hub for government, commerce, and culture. The city features a vibrant downtown, thriving tech scene ("Silicon Slopes"), and proximity to outdoor recreation in the Wasatch Mountains.
• Provo: Home to Brigham Young University, Provo (population 112,169) is an education, technology, and entrepreneurship center. The city has grown significantly in recent years, driven by tech sector expansion in "Silicon Slopes."
• Ogden: Located north of Salt Lake City, Ogden has a rich railroad industry history. Today, the city's economy is growing, with focus on revitalizing its historic downtown.
• West Valley City: Population 130,801, making it Utah's second-largest city
• West Jordan: Population 113,492
• American Fork: A rapidly developing city south of Salt Lake City with residential and commercial areas.
• Layton: Situated near Hill Air Force Base with strong defense industry connections.
• Sandy, Orem, Bountiful, and dozens of other communities

How to Dial 801 Area Code: Procedures and Best Practices

Use these dialing procedures for area code 801:

• Local Calls: Dial 10 digits (area code + 7-digit phone number). This applies even when calling within the same area code due to the overlay with area code 385.
  • Example: To call 801-555-1234, dial 801-555-1234 (all 10 digits)
  • Example: To call 385-555-6789 from an 801 number, dial 385-555-6789 (all 10 digits)
• Toll Calls (Long Distance within North America): Dial 1 + 10 digits (1 + area code + 7-digit phone number).
  • Example: To call 801-555-1234 from outside Utah, dial 1-801-555-1234
• Operator-Assisted Calls: Dial 0 + 10 digits (0 + area code + 7-digit phone number).

Emergency and Special Services:

• 911: Emergency services (police, fire, medical)—dial 911 directly (3 digits, no area code required)
• 988: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—dial 988 directly (3 digits)
• 311: Municipal services and non-emergency city services (where available)—dial 311 directly (3 digits)
• 411: Directory assistance—dial 411 directly (3 digits)
• 511: Travel and traffic information—dial 511 directly (3 digits)
• 611: Customer service for your wireless carrier—dial 611 from your mobile phone (3 digits)
• 711: Telecommunications relay service for deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-disabled individuals

All N11 codes (211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, 811, 911, 988) can be dialed with three digits and do not require area codes.

Best Practices:

• Verify Number Formats: Double-check the area code and phone number before placing calls.
• International Calls: Consult international dialing codes for calls originating outside North America.
• Avoid Scams: Exercise caution with calls from unfamiliar 801 numbers. Common warning signs include:
  • Unsolicited calls requesting personal information (Social Security numbers, bank account details, passwords)
  • Claims of IRS debts, arrest warrants, or legal threats requiring immediate payment
  • Offers that seem too good to be true or require upfront payment
  • Pressure tactics demanding immediate action without time to verify
  • Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
  • Caller ID spoofing (displaying fake local numbers to appear legitimate)

Report suspicious activity to the FCC at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.

E.164 Format for Developers:

When integrating 801 area code numbers into applications, APIs, or databases, use the E.164 international phone number format: +1-801-XXX-XXXX where +1 is the North American country code. Most telecommunications APIs (Twilio, Vonage, Sinch, Plivo, Telnyx) require phone numbers in E.164 format for proper routing.

Format Examples:

• Display format: (801) 555-1234 or 801-555-1234
• E.164 format with hyphens: +1-801-555-1234
• E.164 format for APIs (no separators): +18015551234

Code Examples:

// JavaScript: Format and validate 801 area code numbers
function formatToE164(phoneNumber) {
  // Remove all non-numeric characters
  const cleaned = phoneNumber.replace(/\D/g, '');

  // Handle different input formats
  if (cleaned.length === 10) {
    return `+1${cleaned}`;
  } else if (cleaned.length === 11 && cleaned.startsWith('1')) {
    return `+${cleaned}`;
  }

  throw new Error('Invalid phone number format');
}

// Example usage
console.log(formatToE164('(801) 555-1234')); // Output: +18015551234
console.log(formatToE164('801-555-1234'));   // Output: +18015551234

# Python: Validate and format using phonenumbers library
import phonenumbers
from phonenumbers import NumberParseException

def format_to_e164(phone_number):
    try:
        # Parse with US as default region
        parsed = phonenumbers.parse(phone_number, "US")

        # Validate the number
        if not phonenumbers.is_valid_number(parsed):
            raise ValueError("Invalid phone number")

        # Format to E.164
        return phonenumbers.format_number(parsed, phonenumbers.PhoneNumberFormat.E164)
    except NumberParseException as e:
        raise ValueError(f"Error parsing phone number: {e}")

# Example usage
print(format_to_e164("801-555-1234"))   # Output: +18015551234
print(format_to_e164("(385) 555-6789")) # Output: +13855556789

// PHP: Validate and format 801 numbers
function formatToE164($phoneNumber) {
    // Remove all non-numeric characters
    $cleaned = preg_replace('/\D/', '', $phoneNumber);

    // Handle different input formats
    if (strlen($cleaned) === 10) {
        return '+1' . $cleaned;
    } elseif (strlen($cleaned) === 11 && substr($cleaned, 0, 1) === '1') {
        return '+' . $cleaned;
    }

    throw new Exception('Invalid phone number format');
}

// Example usage
echo formatToE164('(801) 555-1234'); // Output: +18015551234

Input Validation Best Practices:

• Accept multiple input formats: (801) 555-1234, 801-555-1234, 8015551234, +18015551234
• Strip all non-numeric characters except leading "+"
• Validate length (10 digits for US numbers, 11 with country code)
• Verify area code is 801 or 385 for Wasatch Front validation
• Store in E.164 format in databases for consistency
• Handle edge cases: extensions, vanity numbers, toll-free confusion

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance

The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulate area code 801. These entities manage area code assignments, ensure efficient telecommunications services, and address numbering resource issues.

Key Regulatory Bodies:

• NANPA – Administers the North American Numbering Plan, including area code assignments and central office code allocations. (www.nanpa.com)
• FCC – Federal regulator overseeing telecommunications services, numbering policies, and consumer protection. (www.fcc.gov)
• Utah Public Service Commission – State-level regulatory authority for telecommunications in Utah. (www.psc.utah.gov)

TCPA Compliance for Businesses:

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulates calls and text messages to protect consumers from unwanted communications. Businesses using 801 area code numbers for marketing, customer outreach, or automated communications must comply with these requirements:

Prior Express Written Consent Requirements (Effective January 27, 2025):

• Obtain one-to-one consent from each consumer before sending marketing texts or making robocalls
• Consent must be in writing and signed by the consumer
• Consent must identify the specific telephone number authorized to receive messages
• Consent must clearly identify the seller/business authorized to send messages (only one seller per consent)
• Messages must be logically and topically associated with the website or interaction where consent was obtained
• Maintain records of consent to demonstrate compliance

National Do-Not-Call Registry (Effective March 26, 2024):

• Marketing texts are subject to Do-Not-Call protections
• Must obtain prior express invitation or permission before texting wireless numbers listed on the National DNC Registry
• Maintain internal do-not-call lists and honor opt-out requests

TCPA Quiet Hours:

• Prohibited from calling or texting before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in the recipient's time zone (Mountain Time for 801 numbers)

Opt-Out Requirements:

• Provide clear opt-out instructions in every marketing message
• Honor opt-out requests immediately (within the next scheduled send)
• Maintain opt-out lists for at least four years

Penalties: TCPA violations carry statutory damages of $500-$1,500 per violation, making compliance essential for businesses.

(FCC Small Entity Compliance Guide - TCPA, accessed September 2024)

Number Portability Process:

Number portability lets customers keep their phone numbers when switching service providers within the same geographic area. FCC rules govern the porting process:

Timeline:

• Simple ports (single lines, no complex equipment changes): Must be completed within one business day per FCC rules (47 CFR § 52.35)
• Wireless-to-wireless ports: Often complete within a few hours
• Wireline-to-wireless ports: May take 1-3 business days
• Complex ports (multiple lines, PBX systems): May require 1-2 weeks

Process:

1. Contact your new service provider to initiate the port (do not cancel service with your old provider first)
2. Provide your current 10-digit phone number, account number, and account PIN/password
3. New provider submits a Local Service Request (LSR) to the current provider
4. Current provider validates information and processes the port
5. Number transfers to new provider (service switches over)
6. You may terminate service with old provider after port completes

Important Notes:

• Your old provider cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe outstanding balances
• You remain responsible for any early termination fees or outstanding balances with your old provider
• Port requests must include accurate account information or they may be rejected
• Keep your old service active until the port completes to avoid losing your number

(FCC - Porting Guide, accessed November 2023)

As a developer or business, understand regulations related to number portability, unsolicited calls (TCPA compliance), and consumer protection. The Utah Public Telecommunications Law (Utah Code Title 54, Chapter 8b) provides a detailed legal framework for telecommunications within the state, including provisions for competitive entry, service territories, and consumer rights. (Utah State Legislature, accessed January 2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the time zone for area code 801? Area code 801 observes Mountain Time (MT): Mountain Daylight Time in summer (UTC-7, March–November) and Mountain Standard Time in winter (UTC-8, November–March). Consider this when scheduling calls across time zones.

• Can I keep my phone number if I move within the 801/385 region? Yes. Number portability regulations let you retain your phone number when switching service providers within the same area code or overlay region. Contact your service provider to initiate the porting process. If you keep the same provider, your number typically stays the same automatically.

• How do I obtain a new phone number in area code 801? Contact your preferred telecommunications provider (wireless carrier, VoIP provider, or landline company). They'll guide you through selecting an available number. Due to the overlay, new numbers may receive either the 801 or 385 area code depending on availability.

• What cities are in area code 801? Area code 801 covers Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, American Fork, Layton, Bountiful, West Valley City, Sandy, Orem, West Jordan, Draper, Lehi, Kaysville, Farmington, Clearfield, Roy, South Jordan, Riverton, Murray, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, Springville, Spanish Fork, Payson, and dozens of other cities across the Wasatch Front region of Utah.

• What's the difference between 801 and 385 area codes? Both serve the same geographic region (Wasatch Front). 801 is the original code established in 1947; 385 was added in 2008 as an overlay to provide additional phone numbers. They function identically. All calls within the region require 10-digit dialing.

• Is 801 a toll-free number? No, 801 is a standard geographic area code, not a toll-free code. Toll-free codes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. Calls to 801 numbers may incur long-distance charges depending on your calling plan and location. Check with your service provider about long-distance rates.

• Where is the 801 area code located? The 801 area code covers the Wasatch Front region in northern Utah: Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Utah, and Weber counties. This region extends from Logan in the north to Santaquin in the south along the western base of the Wasatch Mountains.

• When was area code 385 added to Utah? Area code 385 launched on March 30, 2008, as an overlay to area code 801. Mandatory 10-digit dialing began on February 28, 2009. The overlay was implemented to provide additional phone numbers without requiring existing customers to change their numbers.

• What area does 801 cover in Utah? Area code 801 covers the Wasatch Front metropolitan region: the Salt Lake City, Provo-Orem, and Ogden-Clearfield metro areas. This is Utah's most densely populated corridor, serving approximately 2.6 million residents across five counties.

• Will I get an 801 or 385 number for a new phone line? New phone numbers may receive either 801 or 385, depending on availability in your provider's inventory. Most new numbers now receive the 385 area code, though 801 numbers may still be available.

• How do I report unwanted calls or texts from 801 numbers? Report unwanted robocalls and texts to the FCC at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also register your number on the National Do-Not-Call Registry at https://www.donotcall.gov.

• Can I use my 801 number for business calling and texting? Yes, but comply with TCPA regulations: obtain prior express written consent before sending marketing messages, honor opt-out requests, respect quiet hours (no calls/texts before 8 AM or after 9 PM Mountain Time), and check the National Do-Not-Call Registry.

Troubleshooting Common Dialing Issues:

• Call won't complete with 7 digits: Remember, the 801/385 overlay requires 10-digit dialing for all local calls. Always dial the area code + 7-digit number.
• Recording says "not a valid number": Verify you're dialing the correct area code (801 or 385). Check for transposed digits.
• International callers can't reach you: Ensure they dial +1 (US country code) before the 801 area code and 7-digit number: +1-801-XXX-XXXX.
• PBX or auto-dialer issues after overlay: Update equipment to support 10-digit dialing. Contact your equipment vendor for firmware updates or configuration changes.
• Ported number not working: Contact both your old and new providers. Porting issues often stem from account information mismatches or incomplete port requests.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Area code 801 connects you to the thriving communities and businesses of the Wasatch Front. Understanding its history, geographic scope, and telecommunication procedures is essential for developers, businesses, and residents interacting with this region.

Next Steps by Audience:

For Developers:

• Implement E.164 phone number formatting in your applications using the code examples provided
• Integrate phone validation libraries (e.g., libphonenumber, phonenumbers) to handle 801/385 numbers correctly
• Test your systems with both 801 and 385 area codes to ensure proper handling
• Review SMS API documentation from providers like Twilio, Vonage, or Sinch for TCPA compliance features

For Businesses:

• Audit your calling and texting practices for TCPA compliance, especially the new one-to-one consent requirement effective January 27, 2025
• Update consent forms to meet prior express written consent standards
• Register for the National Do-Not-Call Registry and implement screening processes
• Review and update your customer contact databases to use E.164 format for consistency
• Train staff on quiet hours, opt-out procedures, and scam awareness

For Residents:

• Add your number to the National Do-Not-Call Registry at https://www.donotcall.gov
• Update contact lists, address books, and speed dial entries to include 10-digit numbers
• Teach children to dial 10 digits when calling within the 801/385 region
• Stay vigilant about phone scams and report suspicious calls to authorities

Resources:

• NANPA – Area code information and exhaust projections: https://www.nanpa.com
• FCC – Telecommunications regulations and consumer protection: https://www.fcc.gov
• Utah Public Service Commission – State telecommunications regulations: https://www.psc.utah.gov
• National Do-Not-Call Registry – Register to reduce unwanted calls: https://www.donotcall.gov
• FCC Consumer Complaints – Report unwanted calls and texts: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov

Stay informed and follow best practices to navigate the 801 telecommunications landscape effectively.