To accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in California, the new 820 area code will be added to the area served by 805. This is known as an area code overlay. An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code, but does require customers to dial “1” followed by the area code and the 7-digit phone number for ALL calls, including calls within the same area code. Once it takes effect, whether customers are calling an 805 number or not, the dialing procedures are the same: 1 + area code + phone number.

Effective December 1, 2017, customers are asked to begin using the new dialing procedure. If you should forget, your call will still be completed. Beginning June 2, 2018, customers must use the new dialing procedure. If you do not, your call will not be completed and you will need to re-dial. Starting June 30, 2018, new telephone lines or services in the 805 area may be given numbers from the new 820 area code.

For more information, visit the California Public Utilities Commission website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/805areacode.