Introduction
If you have a phone number from LA’s San Fernando Valley, chances are you have a 747 or 818 area code. The 747 area code is a key part of the region’s identity, serving a major part of Los Angeles County. It was introduced as an overlay to the 818 area code, a crucial decision that solved the area’s shortage of new numbers. This change also made 10-digit dialing a permanent fixture for everyone in “The Valley.” In this guide, we’ll cover its history, the 747 area code location map, and how to handle the common scam calls that come from this California area code.
Key Takeaways:
The area code 747 covers the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County.
It was added in 2009 as an overlay for the 818 area code, meaning they both serve the same geographic area.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing (area code + number) is required for all local calls.
Scammers often “spoof” 747 numbers to appear local; it’s a legitimate area code, but you should be cautious of unknown callers.
What is the 747 Area Code?
The 747 phone number is a California telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It serves the San Fernando Valley, a densely populated urbanized region in Los Angeles County. It’s most recognizable as an overlay to the original 818 area code.
When the 818 code began to run out of numbers, 747 was added in 2009 to serve the same communities. This means two different phone numbers (one 818 and one 747) can exist in the same household, side-by-side. Because of this overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory. You cannot just dial a 7-digit number, even if you are calling your neighbor. You must dial 747-XXX-XXXX or 818-XXX-XXXX for every call.
History of the 747 Area Code
The San Fernando Valley was originally served only by the 818 area code, which was created back in 1984. By the 2000s, with the explosion of cell phones, fax lines, and new internet (VoIP) services, the 818 code was facing ‘number exhaustion’—it was simply running out.
Regulators had two choices: a ‘split’ (dividing the region in two, forcing millions to change their numbers) or an ‘overlay.’ They chose the overlay. On May 18, 2009, the 747 location was officially activated. It now covers the exact same area as 818, ensuring a fresh supply of numbers for new residents and businesses.
Location and Coverage
The 747 area code is exclusively located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. It borders other major LA codes, including 213/323 to the east and 805 to the west.
Key Cities and Communities Served by 747:
Burbank
Canoga Park
Chatsworth
Encino
Glendale
North Hollywood
Northridge
Panorama City
Reseda
San Fernando
Sherman Oaks
Studio City
Sun Valley
Tarzana
Van Nuys
Woodland Hills
Usage and Applications of the 747 Area Code
The 747 area code is used for all standard communication needs in the San Fernando Valley:
1. Local Phone Numbers
It is the standard code assigned to new residential landlines and, most commonly, new mobile phone numbers for people living in the region. For the 1.8 million residents of the San Fernando Valley, CA, a 747 number is a marker of local identity, just like the 818 code.
2. Business Numbers
A 747 number for business is a prime choice for businesses wanting to establish a local presence in “The Valley.” It signals to customers that they are dealing with a local company, which instantly builds trust and credibility. This is especially vital for local marketing, as customers are more likely to call a number they recognize as being part of their community.
3. VoIP Services
Many modern Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers offer 747 numbers. This allows businesses to have a local San Fernando Valley number that can be answered from anywhere in the world, helping them connect with the large Los Angeles market. This technology gives entrepreneurs and remote teams the ultimate flexibility, providing a prestigious LA-area phone number(424) without the cost of a physical office.
Is a Call from Area Code 747 a Scam?
If you are receiving unwanted calls from a 747 number, you are not alone. There is a very common area code scam where fraudsters use ‘caller ID spoofing’ to make their call look like it’s coming from a 747 number.
Why 747? Scammers know that residents in the 818 and 747 codes will be more likely to answer a ‘local’ call.
How to Spot the Scam:
The call is from an unknown 747 number.
They claim to be from a government agency like the IRS or Social Security Administration (they will never call you).
They say you have won a prize or lottery.
They claim your bank account is locked or a ‘suspicious purchase’ was made.
They pressure you to act immediately and ask for personal information like a password, bank number, or Social Security Number.
What to do:
Do Not Answer: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
Never Give Information: Never give personal data on a call you did not initiate.
Hang Up: If it feels suspicious, just hang up.
Block the Number: Add the number to your phone’s block list.
Register: You can add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls (though this won’t stop illegal scammers).
Interesting Facts
The 747 code is more than just numbers; it’s linked to a world-famous region.
The Heart of Hollywood North: The San Fernando Valley (or ‘The Valley’) is home to the world’s most famous film studios, including Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros. in Burbank.
A Nod to an Icon? A popular (though unconfirmed) belief is that 747 was chosen as a subtle nod to the iconic Boeing 747 ‘Jumbo Jet,’ a symbol of California’s aerospace industry.
A Region of 1.5 Million: The 747/818 overlay serves over 1.5 million residents, making it one of the most populous numbering plan areas in the state.
Economic Impact
The 747 phone number is the telecommunications backbone for a massive and diverse economy. The San Fernando Valley is not just a suburb of Los Angeles; it is an economic engine in its own right.
Entertainment and Media: This is the most famous industry. The 747 area code is the “call sheet” code for the world’s entertainment capital. The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, and DreamWorks Animation are all headquartered in the 747/818 region.
Aerospace and Technology: The Valley has a rich history in aerospace, with companies like Lockheed Martin having major facilities in the area.
Healthcare: The region is home to a massive healthcare industry, with major hospitals
Dialing Rules and Formatting
Because the area code 747 is an overlay, it has a specific and mandatory dialing rule that differs from older, non-overlaid regions.
The Golden Rule: Always Dial 10 Digits
The most important rule to remember is that mandatory 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-Digit Number) is always in effect for all local calls.
Step-by-Step Dialing Process for the 747 Area Code:
For Local Calls (within 747 or 818):
You must dial the full 10-digit number.
Example:
747-XXX-XXXXor818-XXX-XXXXYou can no longer dial just 7 digits, even if you are calling your next-door neighbor.
For Long-Distance Calls (within the U.S.):
Dial
1+Area Code+7-Digit Number.Example:
1-212-XXX-XXXX(to call New York)
For International Calls:
Dial
011+Country Code+City Code+Number.
Important Reminders:
818 is Also Local: Calls from a 747 number to an 818 number (and vice versa) are local calls. You do not need to dial “1” first, but you must dial all 10 digits.
Program Your Devices: When the 747 overlay was introduced, all residents had to reprogram their speed-dial contacts, home security systems, and fax machines to include the 10-digit number.
Emergency and Service Calls: Special numbers like
911(Emergency),311(City Services), and411(Directory Assistance) were not affected and are still dialed with just three digits.
Secure Your Professional 747 Area Code
Future Developments
The future of the 747 area code is tied to the continued growth of the region and the evolution of technology.:
1. Future Number Exhaustion Even with the addition of 747, the San Fernando Valley’s demand for numbers is relentless. The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) constantly monitors the pool of available 747 and 818 numbers. Current projections show that the combined 747/818 pool will last for decades, but eventually, it, too, will face exhaustion.
2. The Next Overlay When the 747/818 pool does run out, the most likely solution will be yet another overlay. The CPUC would add a third area code to the San Fernando Valley. Residents would then have 747, 818, and a new area code all serving the same region. This is already happening in other parts of the country.
3. Technology Advancements The decline of traditional landlines and the rise of non-geographic numbers (like those used by apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Zoom) may eventually slow the demand for new geographic phone numbers. However, as long as mobile phones and local business identities remain crucial, the area code 747 will remain essential.
4. 10-Digit Dialing is the New Normal For years, the 747/818 overlay was an exception. However, in 2022, 10-digit dialing became mandatory nationwide in the U.S. to support the implementation of the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This has made the dialing rules in the San Fernando Valley consistent with the rest of the country.
Conclusion
The area code 747 is far more than a simple prefix. It is a solution to a problem of growth, a marker of a new era for the San Fernando Valley, and a vital component of the region’s identity. Introduced in 2009 as an overlay to the historic 818 area code, it successfully provided a fresh supply of numbers without the chaos of a geographic split.
This code facilitates communication for nearly two million people and supports one of the most powerful and creative economies on the planet—from the film studios of Burbank to the countless small businesses that form the community’s backbone.
As the San Fernando Valley continues to evolve, the 747 phone number will remain a crucial element, adapting to new technologies and supporting the communication needs of the region’s future. It stands as a testament to the Valley’s enduring dynamism and growth.
Get Your 747 Area Code Business Number
FAQs
The area code 747 is a vital part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), serving the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County, California.
The area code 747 was introduced in 2009 as an overlay plan to the existing 818 area code.
The area code 747 serves cities such as Burbank, Glendale, San Fernando, Van Nuys, and Panorama City, among others.
The area code supports local phone numbers, mobile devices, toll-free numbers, VoIP services, and business solutions, among others.
The area code plays a vital role in supporting the economic vitality of the San Fernando Valley region, enabling businesses to thrive and grow, creating jobs, and attracting investments.
The area code 747 is expected to undergo changes and developments, including number conservation efforts, technology advancements, regulatory updates, expansion and overlay plans, and customer education and awareness initiatives.
