JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A new area code is coming to the St. Louis area. The 314 area code and 636 area codes will still be in use but the 557 area code will be added.

The move comes as the telephone numbering for the 314 area code is nearing exhaustion. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator expects the 314 area code will run out of numbers by the third quarter of 2022.

All existing 314 area code customers will retain their current area code in the 557 overlay area and their telephone numbers will not be changed.

What You Need To Know

  • Telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change
  • What is a local call now will remain a local call
  • Customers in the overlay region must dial 10 digits for local calls and 1+10 digits for long distance calls

  • Three digit abbreviated dialing, to the extent currently available, such as 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 will continue to work and not be affected

August 12, 2022 is the earliest date telephone numbers with a 557 area code will be activated and used within the 314 area code. The new 557 area code will co-exist everywhere in the region with the 314 area code according to the Missouri Public Service Commission.

All local calls within this region must use the ten digit phone number rather than just seven digits.

This area, along with many other areas throughout the nation, are required to eliminate seven-digit local dialing by July 15, 2022. That move is in order to accommodate the new 988 abbreviated dialing code for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.

Customers are reminded to store or program telephone numbers with 10 digits to it will be recognized in the future. Some items to consider are stored contacts on wireless or cordless phones, fax machines, medical alert devices, safety alarm security systems, personal or pet ID tags. You will also want to make sure information is updated on websites, checks, and other printed materials.