Telephone Area Code 304: Complete Guide to West Virginia’s Original Area Code
1 Telephone Area Code 304: Everything You Need to Know
2 Telephone area code 304 is one of the oldest and most recognizable telephone area codes in the United States. It serves the entire state of West Virginia and has been in continuous use since 1947 making it one of the original area codes established under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
Whether you’ve received a call from a 304 number are moving to West Virginia or simply want to learn more about the state’s telecommunications system this comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about area code 304 including its history coverage dialing rules scams and frequently asked questions.
Quick Facts About Area Code 304
| Feature | Details |
| Area Code | 304 |
| State | West Virginia |
| Country | United States |
| Introduced | 1947 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Overlay Area Code | 681 |
| Covers Entire State | Yes |
| Original NANP Area Code | Yes |
What Is Area Code 304?
Area code 304 is the primary telephone area code assigned to the entire state of West Virginia. Unlike many states that have multiple geographic area codes West Virginia operated exclusively under area code 304 for more than 60 years.
Due to increasing demand for new telephone numbers caused by population growth mobile phones VoIP services and business telecommunications area code 681 was introduced as an overlay in 2009.
Today both 304 and 681 serve the same geographic region.
Where Is Area Code 304 Located?
Area code 304 covers all 55 counties of West Virginia.
It includes every city town and rural community throughout the state.
Major cities served include:
Charleston
Huntington
Morgantown
Wheeling
Parkersburg
Martinsburg
Beckley
Fairmont
Clarksburg
Bluefield
Princeton
Elkins
Bridgeport
Weirton
Lewisburg
Whether you’re in the northern panhandle the Appalachian Mountains or the Ohio River Valley area code 304 is available throughout the state.
History of Area Code 304
Creation in 1947
Area code 304 was introduced in 1947 when AT&T and Bell System created the North American Numbering Plan.
It was among the original area codes assigned across the United States.
At that time:
West Virginia had one statewide area code.
Telephone usage was relatively low.
A single area code easily accommodated the state’s needs.
Growth of Telecommunications
For decades area code 304 provided enough telephone numbers for residential and commercial use.
However technological changes increased demand including:
Mobile phones
Fax machines
Internet dial-up connections
Business phone systems
Voice over IP (VoIP)
Wireless devices
As available numbers declined regulators planned a solution.
Introduction of Area Code 681
Area code 681 officially became an overlay for area code 304 in 2009.
Instead of dividing West Virginia into separate regions regulators chose an overlay.
This means:
Existing 304 numbers remained unchanged.
New customers may receive either a 304 or 681 number.
Both area codes cover the exact same geographic territory.
Why Does West Virginia Have Two Area Codes?
The addition of area code 681 helped prevent the exhaustion of available phone numbers.
Reasons include:
Growing cellular phone usage
More business phone lines
Internet services
Expansion of wireless devices
New residential developments
Without the overlay available numbers would eventually have run out.
Area Code 304 Time Zone
Area code 304 operates entirely within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
This means it follows:
Standard Time
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
UTC −5
Daylight Saving Time
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
UTC −4
Daylight Saving Time is observed each year
Cities Covered by Area Code 304
Some of the largest communities include:
Charleston
The state capital and largest metropolitan area.
Huntington
A major economic and educational center in western West Virginia.
Morgantown
Home to West Virginia University and a rapidly growing city.
Wheeling
Located near the Ohio border and known for its historic architecture.
Parkersburg
An important industrial and commercial hub.
Beckley
A gateway to southern West Virginia and outdoor recreation.
Martinsburg
One of the fastest-growing cities in the Eastern Panhandle.
Counties Served by Area Code 304
Area code 304 serves every county in West Virginia including:
Kanawha County
Monongalia County
Cabell County
Berkeley County
Harrison County
Wood County
Raleigh County
Ohio County
Mercer County
Greenbrier County
And all remaining counties across the state.
Dialing Rules for Area Code 304
Because of the overlay with area code 681 10-digit dialing is required.
Local Calls
Dial:
Area Code + Seven-Digit Number
Example:
304-555-1234
Long-Distance Calls
Dial:
1 + Area Code + Phone Number
Depending on your carrier and calling plan.
Is Area Code 304 a Toll-Free Number?
No.
Area code 304 is a geographic area code not a toll-free area code.
Common U.S. toll-free area codes include:
800
888
877
866
855
844
833
Calls to a 304 number may incur charges depending on your phone service.
Businesses Using Area Code 304
Many organizations in West Virginia use 304 telephone numbers including:
Government agencies
Universities
Hospitals
Local businesses
Banks
Schools
Tourism organizations
Healthcare providers
A 304 number often signifies a long-established presence within the state.
Is Area Code 304 Still Available?
Yes.
Although many new numbers are now assigned under area code 681 new 304 numbers continue to be available in certain exchanges where inventory remains.
Availability depends on:
Telephone provider
Local exchange
Number inventory
How to Get a 304 Phone Number
You may obtain a 304 number by:
Contacting a local telephone company
Choosing a wireless carrier operating in West Virginia
Purchasing a VoIP number
Using a virtual business phone service
Availability varies by provider.
Area Code 304 and Mobile Phones
Both landline and wireless numbers use area code 304.
Examples include:
Smartphones
Tablets with cellular service
Business mobile phones
Home phones
VoIP systems
The area code does not indicate whether a number is mobile or landline.
Common Reasons You May Receive a Call from Area Code 304
A call from a 304 number may come from:
Friends or relatives
Businesses
Medical offices
Schools
Government agencies
Delivery services
Financial institutions
Customer support departments
Receiving a call from this area code does not automatically indicate the caller’s identity or intent.
Area Code 304 Phone Scams
Like virtually every U.S. area code 304 numbers can sometimes be spoofed by scammers.
Common scam types include:
IRS impersonation
Bank fraud
Fake technical support
Lottery scams
Social Security scams
Package delivery scams
Robocalls
How to Stay Safe
Don’t share personal information with unknown callers.
Verify unexpected requests independently.
Hang up if a caller pressures you for immediate payment.
Use your carrier’s spam-blocking features.
Report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.
Can You Keep Your 304 Number When Moving?
In many cases yes.
Thanks to number portability customers can often keep their existing telephone number when:
Switching carriers
Moving within supported service areas
Changing from landline to mobile
Specific portability depends on your service provider.
Interesting Facts About Area Code 304
1 It is one of the original North American area codes established in 1947.
2 It served West Virginia exclusively for more than six decades.
3 It now shares the state with overlay area code 681.
4 It remains one of the most recognizable identifiers associated with West Virginia.
5 Many longtime residents view a 304 number as part of the state’s identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state uses area code 304?
Area code 304 serves the entire state of West Virginia.
Is 304 a cell phone area code?
No. It is used for both landline and mobile numbers.
Does area code 304 cover all of West Virginia?
Yes. Every county in the state is covered by area code 304 along with overlay area code 681.
Why do I need to dial 10 digits?
Since 304 and 681 serve the same geographic area 10-digit dialing ensures calls are routed correctly.
Is area code 304 still active?
Yes. It remains active and continues to serve West Virginia alongside area code 681.
Is 304 a toll-free area code?
No. It is a standard geographic area code.
Can scammers use 304 numbers?
Yes. Like any telephone number 304 numbers can be spoofed. Always verify unexpected requests before sharing personal or financial information.
Conclusion
Telephone area code 304 has been synonymous with West Virginia since 1947. As one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan it has served generations of residents businesses and organizations across every county in the state. While the introduction of overlay area code 681 expanded numbering capacity 304 remains an enduring symbol of West Virginia’s telecommunications history.codes.