The 311 phone number is a local government non-emergency service number, not a single nationwide number in the United States, designed to connect you directly with your city's services and information. You dial it to report issues like potholes or noise complaints, get municipal information, and access social service referrals without tying up the 911 emergency system.
What is the 311 phone number?
The 311 phone number is a three-digit, non-emergency hotline established by local governments to provide a single point of contact for city services and information. It is not a national number; each municipality operates its own 311 system with its own hours, language support, and alternate numbers. Its primary purpose is to divert non-urgent calls away from 911, streamline access to municipal departments, and help residents resolve quality-of-life issues efficiently.
What you can do with 311
311 services fall into three main categories. First, you can report non-emergency issues such as potholes, graffiti, malfunctioning streetlights, abandoned vehicles, and noise disturbances. Second, you can get municipal information, including public transportation schedules, garbage collection procedures, recycling initiatives, and details about local events and city programs. Third, you can access referrals to social and human services, such as housing assistance, food banks, and mental health support.
How to use the 311 phone number
- Dial the three-digit number 311 on any landline or mobile phone within your city limits.
- When connected to a knowledgeable operator, clearly and concisely state your request or inquiry, whether you are reporting a pothole, seeking information about local events, or requesting a social service referral.
- After reporting a non-emergency concern, ask the operator for a reference number. This number lets you track the status of your request and follow up if needed.
NYC says 311 can be reached via the call center, 311 Online, 311 Mobile App, Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, text, TTY, Skype, and video relay service.
Finding your city's exact 311 number and hours
Because 311 is a local service, the exact phone number, hours of operation, and alternate contact methods depend entirely on your city. Always verify the details for your specific municipality. The table below provides verified examples from official city pages.
NYC says its services are available in 175 languages by phone; San Francisco says its 311 center can answer in over 160 languages.
Columbus: call (614) 645-3111; phone hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-7:00 PM; 24-hour availability for some services.
Washington, DC: call 311 or (202) 737-4404 from outside the District.
Boston: call 3-1-1 or 617-635-4500; the 311 Constituent Service Center is open 24/7/365.
Winnipeg: call 3-1-1 or toll-free 1-877-311-4974 (4WPG); 24/7/365 phone support is listed.
| City | Local number | Outside city / alternate number | TTY / TDD option | Phone hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 311 | 212-639-9675 | Text 311-692; use 212-639-9675 for TTY/VRS | 24/7/365 |
| Philadelphia | 311 | (215) 686-8686 | Not listed on official page | 8 a.m., 8 p.m., Monday, Friday |
| San Francisco | 3-1-1 | 415-701-2311 | Call 711 | Not listed on official page |
| Chicago | 311 | 312-744-5000 | TTY 311 | Not listed on official page |
| Dallas | 3-1-1 | (214) 670-3111 | Not listed on official page | 24/7 |
| Houston | 311 | 713-837-0311 | Not listed on official page | 24/7 |
Important limits and exceptions to know
Several key limits apply to the 311 system. 311 is not 911, never use it for emergencies such as crimes in progress or medical incidents. The three-digit number often does not work from outside your city limits or when using VoIP services; in those cases, you must dial the city's full ten-digit alternate number. TTY/TDD users may need to dial 711 or a separate number like Chicago's TTY 311 or New York City's 212-639-9675. Phone hours vary by city, for example, Philadelphia's contact center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, while New York City, Dallas, and Houston offer 24/7 phone support. Some cities limit phone hours even when online or app services are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 311 available everywhere?
No. While many major cities in the United States and Canada offer 311, availability is not universal. You should check with your local government to confirm if 311 services operate in your area.
Can I use 311 for emergencies?
No. 311 is strictly for non-emergency inquiries and service requests. For any life-threatening situation, crime in progress, or medical emergency, always dial 911.
Is there a 311 app?
Many cities offer their own 311 mobile apps. For example, New York City has the NYC 311 Mobile App, and Boston offers the BOS:311 app. Check your city's official website to see if a dedicated app is available.
How is 311 different from 911?
911 is for emergencies requiring immediate police, fire, or medical response. 311 is for non-urgent city services, information, and reporting quality-of-life issues. Using 311 for non-emergencies helps keep 911 lines open for true emergencies.
What should I do if 311 doesn't work on my phone?
If dialing 311 fails, try your city's full ten-digit alternate number. For example, in Dallas, if 3-1-1 does not work, dial 214-670-3111. This is common when calling from outside city limits or using VoIP.
Are 311 services free?
In most cases, calling 311 is free of charge. However, standard call rates may apply depending on your phone carrier. It is advisable to verify with your local government or service provider.
For the wider topic, see getting and understanding phone numbers.
Related reading: What Is The 111 Phone Number and What Does Unallocated Phone Number Mean.
