IDAHO AREA CODES

Idaho Area Codes

Idaho Area Codes

Blog Article

Complete Guide to Idaho Area Codes: 208, 986 & Local Number Solutions

Idaho Area Code Map

Looking to learn more about the phone area codes for Idaho? Whether you're a resident, business owner, or researcher, our detailed post will cover everything you need to know about Idaho’s area code history.

Overview of Idaho Area Codes

Idaho is primarily served by two area codes:

  • 208 – The original area code
  • 986 – Used alongside 208 for the same regions

Idaho's first and only area code, 208, was one of the earliest codes in the U.S.. In 2017, the state adopted 986 to ensure number availability.

Cities and Regions Covered by Idaho Area Codes

Since 986 is an overlay, all Idaho cities are served by both codes. Major cities include:

  1. Boise
  2. Idaho Falls
  3. Coeur d’Alene
  4. Twin Falls
  5. Nampa
  6. Pocatello

From urban centers to rural counties, all residents share the 208/986 split.

Why Idaho Added the 986 Area Code

According to FCC reports, Idaho was approaching 986 area code number exhaustion in the 208 zone. The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and the Federal Communications Commission approved an all-services overlay with 986 in 2015, effective statewide by 2017.

How the Overlay Works

Overlays are the modern solution to area code exhaustion and have become standard in many U.S. states.

Impact on Dialing

  • 10-digit dialing became mandatory statewide
  • Existing 208 numbers remained unchanged
  • New numbers may receive the 986 code

Virtual Phone Numbers in Idaho

Looking to establish business credibility with Idaho customers? A virtual phone number with an Idaho area code is your best option.

Check out see Idaho virtual number options through Bling.

Using Idaho Numbers for Business

Area codes are a critical part of your brand presence.

Get your Idaho business phone number to build instant credibility.

VoIP and Idaho Area Codes

Business VoIP plans offer benefits like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, IVR, and CRM integrations.

Explore VoIP services in Idaho.

Phone Number Lookup and Spam Detection

Use reverse phone lookup tools to get details on unknown callers:

Don't return missed calls blindly—verify them first.

Watch: How Area Codes Are Managed

Watch this short YouTube explainer on how area codes like Idaho’s are planned, approved, and rolled out nationally.

Idaho Area Code Lookup Resources

Modern Business Calling in Idaho

A modern business phone system provides call routing, auto attendants, voicemail, and performance analytics.

Visit Bling’s business phone system to explore all features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What area codes are used in Idaho?

208 and 986 are the two area codes in Idaho, covering all regions

Why was the 986 area code added to Idaho?

Idaho was running out of 208 numbers, so 986 was introduced statewide

Do I need to change my number if I live in Idaho?

There’s no need to change your number due to the overlay

Can I get a virtual phone number with an Idaho area code?

Many VoIP providers, including Bling, let you pick an Idaho area code

Are Idaho area codes affected by spam or robocalls?

Caller ID lookup can help prevent phone scams in Idaho

Final Thoughts on Idaho Area Codes

Whether you’re getting a new line, switching to VoIP, or need a local presence, Idaho’s telecom landscape is modern and accessible.

For modern communication tools and local numbers, explore Bling’s VoIP and virtual phone number solutions tailored for Idaho businesses and professionals

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