Published: January 10, 2023
Starting next year in February, Virginia's state capital Richmond and all the eastern portion of the state currently using area code 804 will start using a second, overlay area code 686 which has been assigned as the relief method for the Numbering Plan Area in use. Some of the towns within NPA's 804 borders are: Cumberland, Edwardsville, Kilmarnock, Lancaster, Mechanicsville and of course Richmond.
The dialing plan here already requires 10 digits for local and 1+10 digits for toll calls, so no changes in how phone numbers are dialed will be implemented with the new area code's activation.
Area code 686 is scheduled to enter service on February 1, 2024.
See official NANPA announcement and rate center map of the future overlay complex 804/686 (PDF document).
Visit area code 686 page for a list of cities served, map and other info.