The 213 area code is one of the most recognizable telephone prefixes in the United States, tied closely to Downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods.
If you’ve seen a 213 number on your caller ID, listed on a website, or used by a business, you may be looking to verify where it’s based, who typically uses it, or how to get one for yourself or your business.
For many professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, a 213 number signals credibility, local relevance, and a direct link to the heart of LA.
It’s not just a code—it’s a geographic and cultural marker that can influence how potential customers perceive your calls, your brand, and your legitimacy.
This guide walks you through exactly what the 213 area code means, who uses it, its availability, and how to get one virtually—no matter where you’re located.
By the end, you’ll have clarity on how a 213 number works, why it might be a strategic asset, and how to secure one with the features and flexibility you need.
What is the 213 Area Code?
Area codes are three-digit prefixes used to designate specific geographic regions within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the standardized telephone numbering system for the U.S., Canada, and other NANP territories. These codes appear at the beginning of a ten-digit phone number and help route calls to the correct destination.
The 213 area code is part of this system. It was introduced in 1947 as one of the original area codes created by AT&T and Bell Laboratories, assigned to cover the southern portion of California.
At the time, it spanned a much larger region, but as population and phone usage grew, the area it served became smaller through a series of geographic splits and overlays.
Today, the 213 area code is specifically assigned to Downtown Los Angeles and parts of nearby neighborhoods within Los Angeles County. It’s now overlaid with the 323 area code, meaning both codes serve the same geographic region. This overlay system was introduced to ensure the continued availability of phone numbers in densely populated areas like LA.
You’ll likely encounter 213 numbers across a range of everyday contexts—such as caller ID displays, Craigslist listings, e-commerce platforms, and business contact forms—especially when interacting with individuals or organizations based in or serving the central Los Angeles area.
If you’re looking to establish a local presence in LA or simply want to identify the origin of a 213 number, knowing its history and current use gives you a solid foundation for taking the next step.
Where is the 213 Area Code Located?
The 213 area code is geographically assigned to the core of Los Angeles, covering Downtown LA and surrounding neighborhoods within Los Angeles County. This includes high-density urban areas and commercial zones that serve as central hubs for business, entertainment, and government.
You’ll find 213 numbers linked to ZIP codes such as 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, and parts of 90017, 90021, and 90071.
Neighborhoods served by the 213 area code include Echo Park, Koreatown, Silver Lake, Westlake, and sections of Chinatown and the Arts District. These are well-known for their cultural diversity, economic activity, and influence in media, fashion, and design.
Unlike the 310 area code, which primarily covers coastal regions like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, or the 818 area code, which is associated with the San Fernando Valley, the 213 code is concentrated in the urban center of Los Angeles.
It signals proximity to institutions like City Hall, Union Station, and major corporate offices, making it a preferred choice for businesses wanting to appear established in the heart of LA.
The 323 area code now acts as an overlay to 213, meaning both codes serve the same geographic area. This overlay was introduced to handle the demand for new phone numbers in central Los Angeles without requiring existing users to change their numbers. If you’re acquiring a new number in this region, your provider may assign either a 213 or 323 prefix depending on availability.
Choosing a 213 number allows you to anchor your communications to one of the most iconic and business-active zones in California.
Who Commonly Uses a 213 Area Code?
1. Startups and Small Businesses Establishing a Local LA Presence
If you’re launching a new venture and want immediate geographic credibility, a 213 area code positions your business in Downtown Los Angeles. Local presence can influence call pickup rates, customer trust, and brand perception—especially when targeting LA-based audiences.
2. Virtual Call Centers and Remote Customer Support Teams
If your team serves California clients from outside the state—or even internationally—a 213 number allows you to appear locally based. It’s a key tactic for improving response rates and reducing caller suspicion in customer service, telemarketing, and appointment setting.
3. Local Residents and Businesses Keeping Legacy Numbers
Long-time LA residents and established businesses often retain their 213 numbers, especially those assigned before the 323 overlay. These numbers carry familiarity and continuity, making them valuable for keeping existing clients connected.
4. Real Estate Agents
Professionals in competitive, client-facing industries often choose 213 numbers to align with the prestige and urban edge of Downtown Los Angeles. For realtors, it reinforces market expertise; for marketers and creatives, it reflects positioning in a culturally influential city.
Is the 213 Area Code Still Available?
Yes, 213 numbers are still available, but how they’re assigned has changed. Here’s what you need to know:
213 Is Not Exhausted—But It’s Managed Through an Overlay
The 213 area code shares its coverage with 323 through an overlay plan. This means both area codes serve the same geographic area—Downtown Los Angeles and nearby neighborhoods. Overlays were introduced to prevent number exhaustion and avoid forcing existing users to change their numbers.
Limited New 213 Assignments—But Not Impossible to Get
Because 213 is one of the oldest and most established area codes, many original numbers are already in use. However, availability continues through:
- Number recycling – Previously assigned numbers are disconnected and returned to the pool after a waiting period.
- Number portability – Users transferring a 213 number from one carrier to another may release it back to the system.
- Virtual inventory – VOIP and cloud-based telecom providers hold blocks of numbers, including 213 prefixes, for virtual assignment.
Most New 213 Numbers Are Now Issued Virtually
If you’re looking to get a 213 number today, you’ll most likely do so through a VOIP platform or a virtual phone number provider like PressOne. These companies secure number blocks from licensed carriers and issue them through their own platforms—no physical location in LA required.
This makes 213 accessible even if you’re operating outside California, while still giving your business a recognizable Los Angeles presence.
Why a 213 Number Adds Value to Your Business
Choosing a 213 area code isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a strategic brand move that can directly impact how your business is perceived and how effectively your calls are received. Here’s how it creates real value:
1. Cultural and Psychological Weight in Los Angeles
The 213 area code is one of the most historically recognized codes in California. It’s tied to Downtown Los Angeles, an area known for business, culture, media, and government institutions. When your number starts with 213, it immediately signals that your business is connected to the economic and cultural core of LA.
This local connection carries implied legitimacy, especially with LA-based clients, investors, and partners who associate 213 with established organizations and trusted institutions.
2. Higher Call Answer Rates with Familiar Caller ID
Using a local area code improves your chances of getting calls answered—particularly for cold outreach, appointment confirmations, or customer service follow-ups.
A 213 prefix increases the likelihood that LA residents and businesses will recognize the call as locally relevant, reducing the chance of it being ignored or marked as spam.
This makes it an asset for outbound sales teams, support centers, and local service providers.
3. Stronger Brand Identity with a Geographic Anchor
Attaching your business to a specific location—especially one as prominent as Downtown LA—adds strategic depth to your brand. A 213 number functions as a geographic signal, helping position your business as part of a well-known market.
If you’re building a digital-first brand or running a remote team, anchoring to a respected metro area like LA creates market relevance without physical overhead.
4. Trust and Professionalism in Marketing and Customer Interactions
When customers see a 213 number on your ads, website, or communication channels, it projects professionalism and local relevance. This can increase trust at key decision points—such as calling your business, booking a service, or replying to a sales message.
For paid campaigns, a 213 number gives you better conversion potential with LA-based audiences who are more inclined to respond to a local contact.
How to Get a 213 Area Code Number Virtually
Securing a 213 phone number doesn’t require a physical address in Los Angeles. Through virtual number providers and VoIP platforms, you can activate a 213 number from anywhere, while maintaining the appearance of a local presence in LA.
Use a Virtual Number Provider
Virtual phone number services work by assigning local area code numbers to cloud-based calling platforms. These providers connect your 213 number to any mobile phone, desktop app, or call center system, allowing you to make and receive calls without a traditional landline or office setup.
What to Look for in a Provider
To get the most out of your 213 number, choose a provider that offers:
- Local number availability with 213 area code access
- Number portability, in case you want to transfer the number later
- Call forwarding and routing options (to your phone, app, or team)
- Voicemail, call recording, and SMS capabilities
- Transparent pricing and flexible subscription plans
- Regulatory compliance, such as adherence to FCC VoIP guidelines in the U.S.
Providers that specialize in business communication often include features like call analytics, multi-user access, and CRM integrations.
No LA Address Needed
A virtual 213 number works regardless of your physical location. You can serve Los Angeles customers, advertise local services, or build a brand tied to the area without being in California. As long as your provider is FCC-compliant, you can legally and reliably use the number across state lines or even internationally.
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How to Spot Scam Calls from 213 Numbers
While the 213 area code is widely used by legitimate businesses and professionals based in Los Angeles, it can also appear in spoofed or fraudulent calls. Knowing how to assess the legitimacy of a 213 number helps you avoid scams without automatically dismissing legitimate callers.
Not Every 213 Call Is Spam
Scammers often spoof well-known area codes like 213 to make their calls appear local and trustworthy. However, many genuine businesses, agencies, and service providers operate using 213 numbers. Blocking all calls from this area code could result in missing real appointments, customer service updates, or business inquiries.
How to Verify a 213 Caller
Before responding to an unknown 213 number, take these steps:
- Check if you recognize the number from prior communications or saved contacts.
- Listen to the voicemail if the caller left one—legitimate businesses often provide clear identification and a reason for the call.
- Look up the number using reverse phone lookup tools or business directories to see if it’s tied to a known company or service.
Tools to Check 213 Numbers
Use online tools that specialize in identifying unknown numbers. Popular options include:
- Truecaller
- Whitepages
- WhoCallsMe
- AnyWho
- Google search with the full phone number
These platforms aggregate user reports, public data, and business registrations to help you assess if a number is likely spam, promotional, or verified.
When to Block or Report a 213 Number
Consider blocking or reporting a number if:
- The caller refuses to identify themselves or sounds evasive.
- You receive threats, urgent payment requests, or offers that sound suspicious.
- The number calls repeatedly without leaving a message.
- You confirm through multiple sources that the number has been flagged as fraudulent.
You can report scam calls to:
- FTC’s Do Not Call Registry
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Your phone carrier (many allow spam reporting via SMS or app)
- Call-blocking apps with built-in reporting tools
Treat unfamiliar 213 calls with caution, but avoid blanket assumptions. With the right tools and quick verification steps, you can distinguish between a legitimate LA-based caller and a scam attempt.
Final Thoughts: Is a 213 Number Right for You?
A 213 area code offers a direct link to the commercial and cultural core of Los Angeles. It carries local recognition, adds professional credibility, and signals presence in one of the most influential business zones in California.
If you’re a freelancer, startup founder, digital marketer, or part of a remote team serving LA clients, a 213 number helps you appear locally embedded—even if you’re operating from another city or country. For sales outreach, service lines, or paid campaigns targeting LA residents, the familiarity of a 213 caller ID can improve response rates and customer trust.
Despite its legacy status, 213 is still available through virtual number providers that offer flexible plans, call routing features, and setup in minutes. You don’t need a physical address in Los Angeles or a landline to activate one. Most providers handle the entire process online, including number selection, configuration, and compliance.
If local brand presence in Los Angeles matters to your business, a virtual 213 number is a strategic, cost-effective step worth taking.
