Can you hear me now? A new area code has been picked for Kentucky
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky will add area code 761 to the 502 region starting in mid-2027.
- Current 502 numbers remain unchanged; 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory.
- Overlay method selected to extend number supply for approximately 30 years.
A new area code is coming to Kentucky in 2027, according to the Public Service Commission.
The newest area code will be 761, and it will start being assigned to phone numbers in the 502 area code region when those numbers run out, likely in mid-2027, according to the commission. The region covers locations from Frankfort to Louisville.
Everyone with a current 502 area code will keep their number when the supply runs out. The only major change is that people in the region will have to begin 10-digit dialing, including the area code, when calling other phone numbers in the area, the commission said.
The North American Numbering Plan, which organizes and assigns area codes to regions across the country, gave the commission five recommendations to address its area code shortage, with overlaying a new area code on the region being the suggested option. A majority of telecommunications companies in the state prefer the overlay option as well, the commission previously said.
Multiple public forums were held to gather opinions on how to handle the area code shortage. The commission said the most efficient and cost-effective way to solve the issue was to overlay the new 761 area code.
A specific date for the introduction of 761 area codes has not been set. The group estimates that the new area code will provide sufficient phone numbers to the region for about 30 years.
The 502 area code was one of the original area codes for Kentucky when the group was founded in 1947. It was previously in jeopardy in October 1998, and the area code was eventually split, giving areas in and around Louisville retained the 502 area code while the rest of the region, largely western Kentucky, was given the 270 area code.
The 270 area code was activated in April 1999. Years later, in March 2014, the 364 area code was overlaid on top of the region, making it the only region in Kentucky to have multiple area codes at the time.
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 2:57 PM.
