On June 10, a new area code will officially join the Seattle region’s telecommunications family: 564. For Vashon Island residents, this means the familiar 206 area code will now share its coverage territory with a newcomer—a change designed to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers across the Puget Sound region.
Why the Change?
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has approved the 564 overlay to ensure a steady supply of phone numbers as the 206 pool nears exhaustion. Fueled by population growth, mobile device usage, and additional service lines for homes and businesses, the Seattle area—Vashon Island included—is running out of phone numbers.
You may remember when the 564 area code first appeared back in 2017, overlaid on the 360 region (which includes much of western Washington outside the Seattle metro). Now, the same overlay approach will be used here. Rather than splitting the region and requiring residents to change existing numbers, 564 will simply be assigned to new lines within the same area as 206.
What Does This Mean for You?
For most Vashon Islanders, the day-to-day impact will be minimal—but it’s worth being prepared. Here’s what stays the same and what’s changing:
What stays the same:
- Your current 206 number won’t change. No need to update your contacts or inform your relatives.
- 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) has already been required for local calls for years, so your calling habits won’t need adjusting.
- Calling between 206 and 564 numbers will still count as local—no additional charges.
- Emergency and service numbers like 911, 988, and 211 remain unaffected.
What to check:
- Any systems or devices that store phone numbers—think landline handsets, security alarms, fax machines, or gate entry systems—should be reviewed to ensure 10-digit dialing is in place.
- Printed materials, websites, and signage for local businesses should include the full 10-digit number to avoid confusion, especially as 564 numbers begin to appear on the Island.
Why It Matters on Vashon
While Vashon Island maintains a slower pace than downtown Seattle, it isn’t immune to the broader trends of technological growth. New residents moving to the island, businesses expanding, and increased mobile line usage all contribute to the strain on available 206 numbers.
For local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and service providers, this means being proactive with your communications. Whether it’s updating your business card or ensuring your number is correctly listed on Google and Vashon-Maury directories, small changes now can prevent missed connections later.
Looking Ahead
This isn’t about losing something familiar; it’s about making room. Area code overlays are part of a long-term plan to manage telecommunications infrastructure without disrupting existing services. Vashon Island, like the rest of King County, will continue to grow—and the arrival of 564 is one small signal of that momentum.
So when you see a 564 number show up on your caller ID after June 10, don’t be alarmed. It might just be a new neighbor, a local business, or a friend with a brand-new line. The more things change, the more we adapt—and for Vashon, that’s just another part of island life.
