Quick answer: The 318 area code covers northern and central Louisiana — Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, and Natchitoches — across 33 parishes. It sits in the Central Time Zone, dates to 1957, and now shares its territory with the 457 overlay (live September 25, 2025), so 10-digit dialing is mandatory.
If you have ever gotten a call from a 318 number, it came from one of the most historic corners of Louisiana. This three-digit prefix has covered Shreveport, Monroe and the surrounding region since 1957 — and as of 2025, it has company.
Here is what most quick lookups miss: the region recently added a second area code. That single change affects how every new number in the area is assigned and dialed.
This guide breaks down exactly where the 318 area code reaches, which cities and parishes it serves, the current dialing rules, and what the new overlay means for you. It is written for businesses, new residents and anyone trying to make sense of a 318 caller.
Where the 318 Area Code Covers
The 318 area code serves northern and central Louisiana — a wide stretch of the state away from New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
It covers roughly 146 communities across 33 parishes (Louisiana's version of counties). That includes major commercial hubs and dozens of smaller rural towns.
Major Cities in the Region
These are the largest population centers tied to the 318 prefix:
- Shreveport — the largest city and economic anchor of the region
- Bossier City — directly across the Red River from Shreveport
- Monroe — a key hub for the northeast corner of the state
- Alexandria — central Louisiana's main city
- Ruston — home to Louisiana Tech University
- Natchitoches — the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase
Parishes Served
The 318 region spans 33 parishes, including Caddo, Bossier, Ouachita, Rapides, Lincoln and Avoyelles. Caddo and Ouachita parishes hold the densest concentration of numbers.
Time Zone
The entire 318 region sits in the Central Time Zone (CT), the same zone as Dallas, Chicago and the rest of Louisiana. It observes Daylight Saving Time.
The New 457 Overlay — What Changed in 2025
Here is the update most older guides skip entirely. Northern Louisiana now has two area codes covering the exact same area.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved an all-services overlay for the region, and area code 457 went live on September 25, 2025. New numbers may now be issued with either 318 or 457.
What an Overlay Means
An overlay adds a new prefix without splitting the region or changing anyone's existing number. If your number is 318, it stays 318.
The new code simply gives the region more available numbers as the supply of 318 numbers runs low. Both codes coexist across the same geography.
Why It Matters for You
A neighbor, a local business or your own next phone line could land a 457 number instead of 318. Both are equally local to northern Louisiana — neither is "better" than the other.
Need a local Louisiana number fast? My Country Mobile (MCM) lets you search and activate 318 numbers online in minutes — no long-term contract. Start your free trial.
How to Dial 318 Numbers Correctly
Dialing rules in this region are now consistent and simple. The key thing to know: seven-digit local dialing no longer works.
10-Digit Dialing Is Mandatory
Because of the 457 overlay, all local calls require the full 10 digits — the area code plus the seven-digit number. This is permanent, not optional.
Dialing only seven digits will fail to connect. Always include 318 (or 457) at the front.
Quick Dialing Reference
| Call Type | How to Dial | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Local call within the region | 10-digit number | 318-555-0123 |
| Long-distance call (US) | 1 + 10-digit number | 1-225-555-0123 |
| Toll-free number | 1 + 10-digit number | 1-800-555-0123 |
| International call | 011 + country code + number | 011-44-20-7946-0000 |
The 988 Connection
The original push toward 10-digit dialing came from the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Reserving 988 meant local prefixes could no longer be reached by seven digits alone.
Ready when you are
Protect your business line.
MCM's local numbers ship with verified caller ID and smart call filtering — customers always know it's really you, and spam never reaches your team.
Why Businesses Choose a 318 Number
A local number is a quiet trust signal. Customers in Shreveport or Monroe are far more likely to answer a call from a familiar 318 prefix than an unknown out-of-state number.
A Genuine Local Presence
A 318 number tells customers you are part of their community. That perception holds even if your team works remotely or from another state.
Lower Friction for Customers
Local callers expect a local contact. A 318 line removes the hesitation some people feel before dialing an unfamiliar long-distance number.
Easy to Scale
Virtual 318 numbers can be added, forwarded or routed to any device. You can run a northern Louisiana presence without a physical office there.
Build a local footprint without the overhead. MCM provides virtual 318 numbers with call forwarding, voicemail-to-email and analytics built in.
How to Get a 318 Area Code Number
Getting a 318 number today is mostly a matter of picking the right provider and checking availability.
Step 1: Choose Your Provider Type
Traditional carriers like Verizon offer 318 numbers, but VoIP providers — including MCM, OpenPhone and Callmama — usually offer faster setup and more features.
Step 2: Confirm Availability
Because of the 457 overlay, the pool of fresh 318 numbers is tighter than it once was. Check that your provider can still issue a 318 prefix specifically if that matters to you.
Step 3: Activate or Port
You can activate a brand-new 318 number, or port an existing one in. Porting keeps your current number while moving it to a new provider.
Staying Safe From 318 Number Scams
Scam calls can spoof any area code, and 318 is no exception. A few habits keep you protected.
Common Scam Tactics
Watch for robocalls claiming you owe money, "prize" notifications, and phishing texts requesting personal details. Caller ID can be faked, so a local-looking number is not proof of legitimacy.
How to Protect Yourself
Never share financial or personal information with an unexpected caller. Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry, and use call-screening tools to filter suspicious calls.
Where to Report
Report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Local police can also document persistent harassment.
The Bottom Line
The 318 area code is more than a dialing prefix — it is a marker of identity for a large, historic slice of Louisiana. The biggest recent change is the 457 overlay, which makes 10-digit dialing the permanent standard.
If you want a local presence in Shreveport, Monroe or anywhere in between, start by checking number availability and confirming your provider's dialing setup. A local line is one of the simplest ways to earn trust in a regional market.
Ready to claim a northern Louisiana number? MCM makes it a five-minute task — search, activate, and you are connected.
Ready when you are
Ready to sound local everywhere you sell?
MCM activates business numbers in minutes, with call routing, analytics, and CRM-ready integrations. Start your free trial — no card to browse inventory.
FAQs
Where is the 318 area code located?
It covers northern and central Louisiana, including Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston and Natchitoches. The region spans roughly 146 communities across 33 parishes.
Is there an overlay for the 318 region?
Yes. Area code 457 was added as an all-services overlay on September 25, 2025. It covers the same geographic area, so new numbers may be either 318 or 457.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for local calls?
Yes. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for every local call in the region because of the 457 overlay. Seven-digit dialing no longer connects.
What time zone is the 318 area code in?
The entire region uses Central Time (CT) and observes Daylight Saving Time. Business hours typically run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Is a 318 number better than a 457 number?
No. Both serve the identical region and are equally "local" to northern Louisiana. The only difference is that 318 is the older, more established prefix.
Can I get a 318 number if I do not live in Louisiana?
Yes. Virtual number providers can assign you a 318 line regardless of your physical location, which is common for businesses targeting the regional market.
Is the 318 area code at risk of running out of numbers?
The supply was tightening, which is exactly why the 457 overlay was introduced. Together, the two codes give the region many more years of available numbers.
