Mandatory 10-Digit dialing is coming to the 804 area code. Now is the time to clean out and edit the contacts on your mobile device!
 
Starting on October 24, all calls within the 804 area code must use 10-digit dialing (area code plus the number). On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect and a recording will inform the caller that the call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the 10-digit numbers.
 
Last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established "9-8-8" as the new, nationwide three-digit phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The new three-digit dialing code will be available nationwide by July 16, 2022 and will provide an easy to remember and easy to dial three-digit number to reach suicide prevention and mental health counselors, similar to 9-1-1 for emergencies and 3-1-1 for local government services.
 
In order for 9-8-8 to become the three-digit phone number to connect with the lifeline, all area codes that use "988" as a local exchange, or the first three digits of a seven-digit phone number, will need to begin using 10-digit dialing. The 804 area code is one of the 82 area codes nationally that will need to adopt this change.