If your phone just buzzed with a number starting with 443, you might be wondering who is on the other end. Is it a friend from Baltimore, a business in Annapolis, or a potential scammer trying to spoof a local number?
Understanding where a call originates is the first step in deciding whether to pick up.
Area code 443 is a significant telecommunications identifier for the state of Maryland, specifically covering the vibrant “Charm City” of Baltimore and the picturesque Eastern Shore.
What is Area Code 443?
Area code 443 is a telephone overlay code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It serves the eastern half of Maryland.
It operates in the exact same geographic region as area code 410 and the newer area code 667.
Because it covers diverse regions from the bustling urban center of Baltimore to the quiet, coastal towns of the Eastern Shore,
a call from a 443 number could come from a wide variety of sources, including government agencies, major hospitals, tech startups, or private residences.
Where is Area Code 443 Located?
Geographically, this area code covers the eastern and central portions of Maryland.
It excludes the Western half of the state and the immediate Washington D.C. suburbs (which use 301 and 240), though there is some overlap in commuter counties.
Counties served include
- Baltimore Metro: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel, Harford, Howard, and Carroll.
- Southern Maryland: Calvert County.
- The Eastern Shore: Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester.
History: When Was Area Code 443 Created?
To understand 443, you have to look at the history of Maryland’s growth. Originally, the entire state was served by a single code: 301.
The Split (1991)
As the population grew, the state was split. The Baltimore metro area and Eastern Shore received the new 410 area code, while the D.C. suburbs kept 301.
The Overlay (1997)
The explosion of pagers, fax machines, and early mobile phones in the 90s exhausted the 410 numbers quickly. On July 1, 1997, area code 443 was introduced as an “overlay.”
The Modern Era (2012)
Continued growth led to the introduction of 667 in 2012, which now overlays both 410 and 443.
What is an “Overlay”?
Unlike a “split,” where a region is cut in half and given a new number, an overlay adds a new area code to the existing region.
This means your next-door neighbor could have a 410 number, you could have a 443 number, and a new business down the street could have 667, all while living in the same town.
Major Cities and Communities Served
If you see a 443 number, it is most likely originating from one of these major hubs:
| City | County | Known For |
| Baltimore | Independent City | The economic and cultural hub of the state. |
| Columbia | Howard | A major planned community and business center. |
| Annapolis | Anne Arundel | The state capital and sailing capital of the world. |
| Glen Burnie | Anne Arundel | A key suburb south of Baltimore. |
| Ellicott City | Howard | Historic district known for antique shops and dining. |
| Ocean City | Worcester | A popular Atlantic resort town. |
| Salisbury | Wicomico | The commercial hub of the Eastern Shore. |
| Towson | Baltimore | Home to Towson University and a major shopping district. |
Demographics of the Region
Because area code 443 covers such a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, the demographics are highly varied.
Urban Professionals
In Baltimore and Columbia, the population is younger, diverse, and tech-savvy, often working in healthcare (Johns Hopkins), education, or government.
Suburban Families
Counties like Howard and Anne Arundel are known for high median household incomes and family-oriented communities.
Rural and Maritime
The Eastern Shore communities are generally older and more spread out, with economies driven by agriculture, tourism, and the seafood industry.
What Time Zone is Area Code 443?
Area code 443 is located in the Eastern Time Zone.
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST) is UTC-5.
- Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is UTC-4.
If you are calling a 443 number from California (Pacific Time), remember that Maryland is three hours ahead of you.
Current Dialing Rules
Because 443 is part of an overlay complex (mixed with 410 and 667), you cannot dial 7 digits to make a local call.
The Rule: You must dial 10 digits (Area Code + Phone Number) for all local calls within this region.
- Correct: 443-555-0199
- Incorrect: 555-0199
According to the Maryland Public Service Commission, this mandatory 10-digit dialing has been in effect for years to ensure calls are routed correctly between the three overlapping codes.
Is Area Code 443 a Scam?
Area code 443 itself is a legitimate US area code.
However, like many established codes, it is frequently used by scammers. Because people recognize 443 as a “Maryland” number, scammers often use Caller ID spoofing to trick residents into answering.
Who Might Be Calling?
- Legitimate: Doctor’s offices, local schools, delivery drivers, or Maryland-based businesses.
- Suspicious: Robocalls regarding “car warranties,” fake “legal threats,” or “utility shutoffs.”
How to Handle Unknown Calls Safely
- Don’t Pick Up: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
- Verify the Number: If a caller claims to be from a bank or utility company (like BGE), hang up and call the official number listed on your bill.
- Use Blocking Tools: Most smartphones have built-in silence features for unknown callers. You can also register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Report It: If you receive illegal robocalls, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The Future of Area Code 443
Are we running out of numbers again? Not anytime soon.
While 410 and 443 were heavily utilized, the introduction of the 667 overlay in 2012 provided a massive influx of new available numbers.
Current projections from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) suggest that the region will not need a fourth area code until approximately 2030.
Mnemonics for Area Code 443
In the past, people used letters associated with phone keys to remember area codes. While rarely used today, mnemonics for 443 correspond to letters on keys 4 (G, H, I) and 3 (D, E, F).
- GHE
- HID
- GGD
Since these don’t spell common words, they aren’t typically used for branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is area code 443 toll-free?
No. Area code 443 is a standard geographic area code. Calls to and from this code may incur long-distance charges depending on your specific phone plan, though most modern mobile plans include nationwide calling.
When was area code 443 established?
Area code 443 officially went into service on July 1, 1997. It was introduced to relieve the exhaustion of numbers in the 410 area code.
What is the difference between 410, 443, and 667?
There is no geographic difference. All three cover the exact same region (Eastern Maryland). 410 is the original code, 443 was the first overlay, and 667 is the newest addition.
Can I still get a 443 number for my business?
Yes. While 410 numbers are scarce, 443 numbers are still widely available through VoIP providers and mobile carriers.
Does 443 cover Washington D.C.?
No. Washington D.C. uses area code 202. However, 443 covers many suburbs that are within commuting distance of D.C., such as Columbia and Annapolis.
What happens if I dial only 7 digits to a 443 number?
The call will not connect. You will likely hear a recording instructing you to hang up and dial the full 10-digit number (Area Code + Phone Number).
What is the largest city served by 443?
Baltimore is the largest city served by this area code, with a population of over 570,000 people.
Why do I keep getting spam calls from 443 numbers?
This is likely “neighbor spoofing.” Scammers fake their caller ID to match your local area code (443) so you are more likely to answer the phone, thinking it is a local neighbor or business.
Which counties are NOT in area code 443?
Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, Garrett, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties are primarily served by area codes 301 and 240, not 443.
Do I need to change my number if I move within the 443 region?
Generally, no. Because mobile numbers are portable and the 443 region is large, you can keep your number if you move from Baltimore to Ocean City, for example.
Conclusion
If you are a business owner, acquiring a 443 number is an excellent way to establish a local presence and build trust with Maryland customers.
If you are a resident receiving calls, simply remember to practice safe call handling to avoid potential spoofing scams.
Need a reliable phone solution? Check with your local VoIP provider to see if a 443 number is available for you today.
Daniel Brooks is a telecommunications and digital information writer with 8+ years of experience researching area codes, phone number systems, and call safety topics. He focuses on clear, accurate, and user-friendly explanations based on reliable public data sources.
