The 681 area code covers the entire state of West Virginia as an overlay on the long-standing 304 area code, in service since January 1, 2009. It's the state's only overlay code — every West Virginia county, from Charleston to Wheeling, draws from the same combined 304/681 number pool. West Virginia sits in the Eastern Time Zone.
This guide covers exactly where 681 reaches, why the state chose a statewide overlay instead of a geographic split, its numbering history back to 1947, and what's driving demand for new West Virginia numbers today.
Where the 681 area code reaches
The 681 area code location matches 304 exactly — all 55 counties of West Virginia, making it one of the few area codes in the country that covers an entire state rather than a single metro or region.
681 / 304 coverage by region:
| Region | Communities |
|---|---|
| Kanawha Valley | Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar |
| Northern Panhandle | Wheeling, Weirton |
| North Central | Morgantown, Fairmont, Clarksburg |
| Mid-Ohio Valley | Parkersburg, Vienna |
| Tri-State | Huntington, Beckley, Bluefield |
What 681 does NOT cover:
- Western Maryland → 240 / 301
- Southwestern Virginia → 276 / 540
- Southern Ohio → 740
- Southwestern Pennsylvania → 412 / 878
Why 681 overlays 304 statewide instead of splitting it
By the mid-2000s, West Virginia's supply of unused 304 prefixes was projected to run out. Rather than draw a new dividing line through the state — splitting neighbors and businesses across two different codes — the West Virginia Public Service Commission approved an all-services overlay in 2007: 681 was assigned to the identical statewide territory as 304, so the entire state kept a single, unbroken calling area.
What the overlay means for callers:
A Charleston business on 304-XXX-XXXX and a new office in Huntington on 681-XXX-XXXX sit in the same calling area — same rates, no long-distance charge between them, regardless of which code either number carries. Because two codes now share one territory, callers dial all ten digits (area code plus seven digits) for every local call, even across the street.
West Virginia area code history
1947 — Area code 304 was assigned as one of the original 86 North American area codes, covering the entire state of West Virginia from day one — a rarity, since most states were split among several codes even then.
2007 — With 304's remaining supply of prefixes running low, the West Virginia Public Service Commission approved an all-services overlay rather than splitting the state into two codes.
January 1, 2009 — New 681 numbers became assignable across the same statewide footprint as 304, making West Virginia one of a small number of states served entirely by a single overlay pair.
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What's driving demand for West Virginia numbers
West Virginia's economy has diversified over the past two decades, and that growth is part of why 304 needed a second code:
Energy and natural gas Appalachian Basin drilling and pipeline operations anchor thousands of jobs across the state, with contractors and field offices adding new local lines as projects move county to county.
Healthcare systems WVU Medicine and regional hospital networks are among West Virginia's largest employers, with clinics and administrative offices spanning both the 304 and 681 footprint statewide.
Tourism and outdoor recreation New River Gorge National Park, the state's newest national park, draws year-round visitor traffic, and the hospitality and outfitter businesses that serve it typically add at least one new local line as they grow.
Many of these West Virginia businesses are moving their phone systems onto UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) — one cloud platform for calling, video, and messaging that scales as a company adds locations across the state, much like the numbering growth behind 329, another recent statewide-relief overlay. Contact us to set up a 681 or 304 number for your West Virginia business.
Time zone & how to dial a 681 number
West Virginia runs on Eastern Time (ET) — EST (UTC −5) in winter, EDT (UTC −4) during Daylight Saving Time. Local calls within the 304/681 overlay require all ten digits: dial 1, then the area code, then the seven-digit number, even when calling a neighbor across the street.
Is 681 a scam number?
Because 681 is the newer of West Virginia's two codes, scammers sometimes spoof it to look like a fresh, unfamiliar local number rather than the long-established 304. Watch for utility-shutoff threats, vehicle-warranty pitches, and fake toll or courier texts — common patterns nationally that also show up on newer overlay codes.
The FCC's STIR/SHAKEN call authentication framework requires carriers to verify caller ID before a call connects, but no system catches everything — treat unexpected 681 calls asking for payment or personal details as suspicious.
Key takeaways
- 681 overlays 304 across all 55 counties of West Virginia, in service since January 1, 2009.
- No geographic split — 681 and 304 share identical, statewide territory; all local calls require ten-digit dialing.
- West Virginia is one of the few states served entirely by a single overlay code pair.
- Time zone: Eastern (ET) throughout.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the 681 area code?
Area code 681 is a statewide overlay covering all of West Virginia. It shares its exact territory with the existing 304 area code.
Where is the 681 area code located?
Area code 681 covers every county in West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, and Parkersburg.
Is 681 a spam number?
Not inherently — 681 is a legitimate West Virginia area code. Because it's newer than 304, scammers do occasionally spoof it to seem unfamiliar, so treat unexpected calls with caution.
What time zone is the 681 area code?
Area code 681 is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) — EST (UTC −5) in winter and EDT (UTC −4) during Daylight Saving Time.
When did the 681 area code start?
The West Virginia Public Service Commission approved the 681 overlay in 2007, and new numbers became available on January 1, 2009.
How do I get a 681 area code number?
Sign up with a VoIP provider such as My Country Mobile, search for available 681 numbers, choose a West Virginia prefix, select a plan, and activate.
Do I need to dial 304 and 681 differently?
No — both require the same ten-digit format (area code plus seven digits) for every local call, since the two codes share one statewide calling area.
