For the first time in 10 years, a new area code is being added to the Houston line-up

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A launch date has been announced for the Houston area's newest area code. This is the first area code that's been added in 10 years.

The area code 621 will officially join the Houston area on January 23, 2025.

You'll get the 621 if you request new service or an additional line.

The Houston area is growing so much -- we're expected to run out of area codes by the end of next year.

The Public Utility Commission said back in October 2023 that we'd be getting a 5th area code to join the existing 281, 346, 713, and 832 line-up. It won't affect existing numbers.

The 621 code will cover the same geographic areas that our current area codes cover -- meaning the greater metro area of the city of Houston and surrounding cities including, Baytown, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and more.

Telephone customers should know the following key facts about the 621 area code:

• Existing telephone numbers will not change.


• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the new area code.


• What qualifies as a local call now will remain a local call.


• Customers in the new area code region will continue to dial 10 digits for local calls within and between the Houston-area overlay area codes, and 1+10 digits for long distance calls.


• Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 if those services are currently available in their community.

The original area code, 713, was created in 1947. Then, 281 came along in the 90s, followed by 832, then 346 in 2013.

The new 621 area code is expected to have enough numbers to last nine years.