Area Code 477- Location, Coverage, and Background Info

What Is Area Code 477?

Area Code 477 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) overlay that covers portions of North Texas. It doesn't replace the original area code in its region—it's layered on top of it to meet growing demand for phone numbers.

If you see a call from 477-XXX-XXXX, the person on the other end is calling from North Texas. That's the quick answer. The details below cover what you actually need to know.

Geographic Coverage

Area Code 477 covers the same geographic region as Area Code 940. Both codes serve the same territory. You don't choose between them based on location—your phone company assigns you one or the other when you get a new number.

Cities and Communities Included

The 477/940 region includes:

This isn't a complete list. The area covers multiple counties including Wichita, Denton, Cooke, and portions of Wise County.

Why Was Area Code 477 Created?

Texas has been running out of phone numbers in several regions. Area Code 940 was exhausting its available prefixes. The solution was an overlay—adding a second area code to serve the same territory.

The 477 area code was approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and activated in 2020. New phone numbers in the 940 region can now be assigned either area code.

How Area Code Overlays Work

Here's what changes and what doesn't:

Overlays are the standard solution for number exhaustion now. Splitting area codes (where one geographic region gets a new code and the old one goes away) caused massive disruption and is rarely done anymore.

Area Code 477 vs. 940: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Area Code 940 Area Code 477
Status Original code Overlay code
Activation Date 1997 2020
Geographic Area North Texas Same as 940
Existing Numbers Kept unchanged New assignments only
Local Dialing 10 digits required 10 digits required
Time Zone Central Central

Getting a Phone Number with Area Code 477

You can't request a specific area code from most carriers. When you sign up for new service or get an additional line, the carrier assigns what's available in your rate center.

Ways to potentially get a 477 number:

If you need a specific area code for business purposes, contact carriers directly and ask about availability in your exchange. There's no guarantee you'll get your preference.

Time Zone Information

Area Code 477 operates on Central Standard Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT). The region follows the standard daylight saving schedule.

When it's noon in Wichita Falls, it's noon in the entire 477/940 region. No exceptions or quirks here.

Scam Calls and Area Code 477

Area code spoofing makes any code potentially dangerous in the hands of scammers. 477 isn't special, but you should know:

If you receive a suspicious call from 477 or any other area code, verify by hanging up and calling the organization back using a number you find independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Area Code 477 a scam?

No. 477 is a legitimate North American Numbering Plan area code assigned to portions of Texas. Like any area code, it can be used by scammers through spoofing, but the code itself is legitimate.

Do I need to dial 1 before Area Code 477?

For long distance calls, yes. For local calls within the 477/940 region, you dial the 10-digit number without a leading 1.

Can I keep my 940 number if I want one?

Existing 940 numbers aren't being changed. If you have a 940 number, you keep it. New numbers may be assigned 477, but you can't choose to get a 940 instead.

What area code is next to 477?

Area codes bordering the 940/477 region include 214/469/972 (Dallas), 580 (Oklahoma), and 817/682 (Fort Worth).

Is 477 part of the DFW metroplex?

Partially. The 477/940 region includes portions of Denton County, which is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Other parts of the coverage area (like Wichita Falls) are outside the metroplex.

Quick Reference