986 Area Code: Idaho Statewide Location, Time Zone & Scam Check (2026)

📅 2026-02-17 ⏱️ 12 min read ✍️ BubblyPhone Team

The 986 area code is a statewide overlay for 208 covering all of Idaho — from Boise to Coeur d'Alene. Learn about coverage area, time zone, scam protection, and the state that held a single area code for 70 years.

The 986 area code is a statewide overlay for 208, covering the entire state of Idaho — all 39 counties, from Boise to Coeur d'Alene to Idaho Falls. It serves approximately 2 million people and was activated on August 5, 2017. Idaho held a single area code for 70 years — one of the last states in America to add a second.

Quick Facts

  • State: Idaho (all 39 counties)
  • Major City: Boise
  • Time Zone: Mountain Time (MT) — Pacific in panhandle
  • Activated: August 5, 2017 (overlay of 208)
  • Population: ~2.03 million
  • Growth Rate: Fastest in US (10.4% since 2020)
  • Dialing: 10-digit mandatory

Is 986 a Scam Area Code?

No — 986 is a legitimate area code serving Idaho's approximately 2 million residents. It shares coverage with 208, one of the oldest area codes in North America. As with any area code, verify unknown callers. Use our Spam Number Checker to check suspicious numbers.

How to Call 986 Internationally

Dial exit code + 1 + 986 + 7-digit number. On mobile: +1-986-XXX-XXXX. Use Best Time to Call for Mountain Time info. Look up any code with our Area Code Lookup. Check our rates.

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