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Introduction
The 816 area code is the primary telephone dialing code for Kansas City, Missouri, and much of the northwestern part of the state. It’s widely associated with the KC area and covers a mix of dense urban neighborhoods and smaller surrounding communities.
If you’re looking up where this code is located, whether a call is local, or how to get a Kansas City number yourself, there are a few details worth knowing. The region now includes the 975 overlay, which changed how new numbers are assigned and how calls are dialed.
This guide covers what the 816 number is, where it’s located, the cities and counties it includes, how the 975 overlay works, whether calls from this region are safe, and how to get an 816 number using the Burner app without changing your primary number.
What Is the 816 Area Code?
The 816 area code is a telephone dialing code in the North American Numbering Plan that serves Kansas City, Missouri, and surrounding parts of the northwestern area of the state.
Area code 975 was activated as an overlay for 816 on October 13, 2023. The 816 and 975 area codes serve the same geographic territory in northwestern Missouri, and new numbers may be assigned from either.
This dialing code operates in the Central Time Zone (CT), observing daylight saving time.
Because of the overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within the 816/975 region. This applies even to local calls, meaning you need to dial the full code and number each time.
Where Is the 816 Area Code? Location, Cities & Counties
The 816 area code covers Kansas City, MO, and a large portion of the northwestern area along the Kansas border. It includes both major metro areas and smaller surrounding communities.
If you receive a call from this region, it is most likely coming from the metro area or nearby cities within the same coverage zone.
Major Cities in the 816 Area Code
Kansas City, MO, is the primary city in the 816 region and the largest population center.
Other major cities include:
- Independence, MO
- St. Joseph, MO
- Lee's Summit
- Blue Springs
- Liberty
- Raytown
- Grandview
- Gladstone
- Belton
- Harrisonville
- Plattsburg / Odessa (smaller communities within coverage)
These cities make up the core of the KC metro area and nearby communities.
Counties Covered by 816
The 816 dialing code spans approximately 15 counties in the northwestern part of the state.
Key counties include:
- Jackson County
- Clay County
- Platte County
- Cass County
- Buchanan County
- Ray County
816 Area Code Time Zone
The entire 816 region operates in the Central Time Zone (CT).
- Standard Time: UTC−6
- Daylight Saving Time: UTC−5
KC and the surrounding areas follow the same time changes as much of the central United States.
History of the 816 Area Code
The 816 area code is one of the original 86 dialing codes created in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan, and it was the first one assigned to the state.
Originally, the 816 region covered the entire western half of the state. As demand for phone numbers increased, the coverage area was reduced through a series of splits.
In 1950, dialing code 417 was created to serve the southwestern part of the state, including cities like Springfield and Joplin.
In 1997, dialing code 660 was introduced to serve rural northern and eastern Missouri. After that split, the 816 region became more focused on the KC metro area and St. Joseph.
As the population and demand for new numbers continued to grow, the 975 overlay was added in 2023 to expand number availability without requiring existing numbers to change.
The 975 Overlay: What It Means for 816
The 975 overlay is a key part of how the 816 area code works today.
What Is an Overlay Area Code?
An overlay means that two dialing codes serve the same geographic region.
The 816 and 975 area codes serve the same geographic territory in the northwestern part of the state. Existing 816 numbers were not changed by the 975 overlay. If you already had an 816 number, you keep it.
New numbers in the KC area may be assigned either 816 or 975, depending on availability.
When Did the 975 Overlay Start?
Area code 975 was activated as an overlay for 816 on October 13, 2023.
The Missouri Public Service Commission approved the overlay after years of planning. The change was intended to ensure a long-term supply of new numbers in the metro area.
Does 10-Digit Dialing Apply to 816?
Yes. 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within the 816/975 region.
This means:
- You must dial the area code + the 7-digit number
- This applies even for local calls
- 7-digit dialing is no longer supported
Updating saved contacts and speed dials to include the full number helps avoid issues when placing calls.
Is the 816 Area Code a Scam?
No. The 816 area code is legitimate and serves Kansas City, MO. It is not inherently a scam.
However, like any dialing code, it can be used in scam or spam calls. Some callers use technology to make a call appear as if it is coming from a local number, including ones in the 816 region.
If you receive an unexpected call from a number you don’t recognize, it’s best to be cautious. Avoid sharing personal information, and verify the caller if something feels off.
You can also report suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
If you prefer not to share your personal number widely, using a second number can help create some distance between your main number and unknown contacts.
How to Get an 816 Area Code Number
There are two main ways to get an 816 number: through your phone service provider or by using an app like Burner.
Option 1: Contact Your Phone Service Provider
Most phone service providers allow you to request a number with a different dialing code.
This typically means replacing your existing number. If you go this route, you may need to update contacts, accounts, and services that rely on your current number.
Option 2: Use the Burner App (Recommended)
The simplest way to get an 816 area code number instantly is the Burner app.
With Burner, you can add a second number without changing your primary one.
- Download Burner: Get the Burner app on iPhone or Android and start your 3-day free trial. You can save 20% when you sign up on the website.
- Choose area code: Pick 816 when you create a new number and browse available options.
- Start using your number: Your new 816 number is active right away on your existing phone.
You can keep your existing number and use your new 816 number at the same time.
Burner also includes features like call forwarding, voicemail, and Do Not Disturb, so you can decide how and when people reach you.
Get an 816 Number with Burner Today
Why Get an 816 Number? Use Cases
There are a few common reasons people choose to get a KC number.
A local number can feel more familiar when connecting with people in the area, especially if you spend time in KC or plan to stay for an extended period.
Some people use a second number for situations where they don’t want to share their personal one, like online marketplaces, app signups, or meeting new people.
It can also be useful when traveling or relocating. You can use a KC number while keeping your original number active.
With major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing more visitors to Kansas City, having a local number can make it easier to stay connected during your time in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What city is the 816 area code?
The 816 area code primarily serves Kansas City, Missouri, which is the largest city in the region. It also covers nearby cities like Independence, St. Joseph, and Lee’s Summit. While the metro area is the main reference point, this number extends across multiple communities in northwestern Missouri.
What state is area code 816?
Dialing code 816 is located in the state of Missouri. It specifically serves the northwestern portion of the state, including Kansas City and surrounding counties. If you see an 816 number, it is almost always associated with Missouri, not Kansas, despite KC sitting near the state border.
What time zone is the 816 area code?
The 816 dialing code is in the Central Time Zone (CT). This means it follows UTC−6 during standard time and UTC−5 during daylight saving time. Kansas City and the surrounding region observe seasonal time changes along with most of the central United States.
What is the 975 overlay for 816?
The 975 overlay serves the same geographic region as the 816 area code. It was activated on October 13, 2023, to expand the supply of available numbers. Both 816 and 975 now cover Kansas City and nearby areas, and new numbers may be assigned from either code.
Does 816 require 10-digit dialing?
Yes, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 816 and 975 region. This means you must dial the full area code plus the 7-digit number, even for local calls. This change was introduced when the 975 overlay was added and applies across the entire Kansas City area.
Is 816 area code a scam?
No, the 816 area code is a legitimate one and serves Kansas City, MO. However, scam calls can come from any number, including 816, so it’s important to be cautious with unknown callers and avoid sharing personal information without verification.
How do I get an 816 area code number?
You can get an 816 number by contacting your phone service provider or by using an app like Burner. With Burner, you can choose an available 816 number and start using it without changing your primary number, making it a simple way to add a Kansas City number.
What area codes border 816?
The 816 dialing code borders several other Missouri and Kansas dialing codes. These include 660, which covers rural Missouri areas, 913 on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro, and 314, which serves the St. Louis region. Together, these codes define the broader surrounding region.
When was the 816 area code created?
The 816 area code was created in 1947 as part of the original North American Numbering Plan. It was the first dialing code assigned to Missouri and originally covered a much larger portion of the state before being reduced through later splits and the addition of the 975 overlay.
Final Thoughts
The 816 area code is closely tied to Kansas City, Missouri, and remains one of the most recognizable codes in the region. With the addition of the 975 overlay, it now shares coverage while continuing to serve the same area.
If you want a Kansas City number without replacing your current one, using Burner is a straightforward way to get started.
Download Burner, choose an 816 number, and use it on your terms.
