New Washington Area Code Will Affect Woodinville Beginning In January

WOODINVILLE, WA - A new area code for Western Washington will roll out beginning in January, and even if your number doesn't use the new 564 prefix approved last spring, the new area code will change how you make local phone calls.

Back in May, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission approved the new area code, anticipating that numbers in the 360 area code would begin running out by early 2018.

Right now, you can call inside the four major Western Washington area codes by dialing just seven digits. For example, a person in the 253 area code can call another person in the that area code by dialing 7 digits. But in July, you will have to add the area code, or your call won't connect.

Here are important dates to remember for the new area code rollout:

• Jan. 28, 2017 - You should begin using the new 10-digit dialing procedure when calling within the 206, 253, 425, and 360 area codes; however, seven-digit calls will still work.
• July 29, 2017 - You have to use 10-digit dialing when calling within Western Washington area codes. Your call won't connect if you use the old seven-digit method.
• Aug. 28, 2017 - New phone numbers in the 360 area will begin to get the 564 code. Within this zone, phone numbers will exist with both 360 and 564 area codes. The new code won't appear in 206, 253, or 425 zones until numbers there begin running out.

Aside from dialing the three extra digits, the new area code won't change much about how you make calls. You will not be charged for calling outside of your area code, and you'll be able to access 911 as usual. If your city has a 211 or 311 hotline, those will remain the same.

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