Reported (551) XXX-XXXX phone numbers lookup

Area Code 551 History and Coverage

The introduction of area code 551 took place in 2001 in order to accommodate increased need for telephonic numbers in the existing 201 area in northeast New Jersey. Instead of implementing a split of the 201 area, number planners chose to introduce 551 as an overlay of 201 and therefore belonging to the same numbering plan area.

The earlier history belongs to 201, which was assigned to all of New Jersey in 1947 during the formation of the North American Numbering Plan. Its statewide reach was later reduced as new codes were introduced. In 1956, area code 609 was created for southern New Jersey, beginning the process that left 201 focused on the state's northeast corner. Further changes to New Jersey's numbering plan followed in later decades as the state required additional capacity.

At the time when 551 became available, the area of 201 was one of the most developed areas of the state due to its location close to New York City, along the waterfront of Hudson River, and near New York state border. The 551-201 area works in the Eastern Time Zone.