TTY Number – What It Is and How to Find One
A TTY number is a dedicated telephone number that connects callers to a teletypewriter-equipped line, enabling text-based communication for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-disabled individuals. If you have seen a TTY number listed on a business card, government website, or accessibility statement, understanding what it is and how to use it helps ensure you can communicate effectively with everyone in your community.
Table of Contents
What Is a TTY Number
A TTY number is a phone number assigned to a line equipped with a teletypewriter device. When you call a TTY number using your own TTY device, you can communicate directly through typed text without needing a relay service as an intermediary. Both parties type and read messages on their respective screens, creating a real-time text conversation over the telephone network.
TTY numbers look like any other phone number — they use the same format with area code and seven-digit local number. The difference is on the receiving end, where the phone line is connected to TTY equipment capable of decoding Baudot code signals. When you see a listing that says “TTY: (555) 123-4567,” it means that number is specifically set up to receive text-based calls from TTY devices.
Organizations typically maintain separate voice and TTY numbers. The voice number connects to a standard telephone answered by a person speaking, while the TTY number connects to a text-based line. Some organizations use a single number with auto-detect technology that can recognize whether an incoming call is voice or TTY and route it accordingly, but separate numbers are more common and generally more reliable.
Having a dedicated TTY number signals that an organization is prepared to serve Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers directly. It provides a more efficient communication path than relay services for TTY users, since direct TTY-to-TTY calls eliminate the middleman and reduce call duration. For callers who prefer to communicate through text rather than through a relay operator, a direct TTY number is the ideal option.
Where to Find TTY Numbers
TTY numbers are listed in several places depending on the type of organization you are trying to reach. Government agencies are among the most consistent in publishing TTY numbers. Federal agencies like the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Medicare all maintain TTY lines and list them prominently on their websites and publications.
State and local government offices also provide TTY numbers for courts, departments of motor vehicles, social services agencies, and public utilities. These numbers are often found on official websites, printed forms, and public notices. If you cannot find a TTY number for a specific government office, calling 711 for relay services is always an alternative.
In the private sector, TTY numbers are most commonly found at hospitals, banks, insurance companies, airlines, hotels, and utility companies. The ADA requires businesses that serve the public to accept relay calls, and many go a step further by maintaining dedicated TTY lines for direct access. Look for TTY numbers on the “Contact Us” or “Accessibility” pages of company websites.
Deaf community directories and resource guides may also compile TTY numbers for frequently used services. Organizations like the National Association of the Deaf and state Deaf associations often publish directories that include TTY contact information for essential services. These resources can save time and effort when you need to find the right number quickly.
Practice Makes Perfect
Test your sign language skills with our free practice app.
How to Call a TTY Number
Calling a TTY number requires a TTY device or a TTY-compatible phone. Connect your TTY to a telephone line, pick up the handset, and dial the TTY number just as you would dial any phone number. When the receiving TTY answers, you will see a response on your display screen, typically beginning with the identification of the party you have reached.
Follow standard TTY conversation etiquette during the call. Type “GA” (go ahead) when you have finished your message and are waiting for the other person to respond. Type “SK” (stop keying) when the conversation is complete. Keep your messages clear and concise, and be patient — TTY conversations move at typing speed, which is naturally slower than voice communication.
If you do not have a TTY device but need to reach a TTY number, you can use a relay service. Dial 711, tell the communication assistant that you want to reach a TTY number, and provide the number. The relay operator will connect to the TTY line and facilitate the conversation between you (speaking) and the TTY user (typing). This works in both directions — hearing callers reaching TTY numbers and TTY users reaching voice numbers.
Some modern smartphones have built-in TTY support. If your phone has a TTY mode in its accessibility settings, you can enable it and connect a compatible TTY device to make and receive TTY calls through your cell phone. This feature is useful for TTY users who primarily rely on mobile phones rather than landlines for their daily phone communication.
Do Businesses Still Need TTY Numbers
This is a question that comes up frequently as communication technology evolves. The short answer is that while dedicated TTY numbers are becoming less common in the private sector, the obligation to serve Deaf callers has not changed. Under the ADA, businesses are required to accept relay calls through 711, which means that even without a dedicated TTY number, they must be able to communicate with TTY users through the relay service.
Some businesses have replaced their TTY numbers with alternative accessibility options like live chat, email, video remote interpreting, or direct messaging. These alternatives can be equally or more effective than TTY for many Deaf consumers, especially those who prefer ASL-based communication or modern text platforms. However, it is important to ensure that at least one real-time communication option is available — email alone may not meet the requirement for immediate access.
Government agencies generally maintain TTY numbers more consistently than private businesses, as federal regulations specifically require TTY access for government services. If your organization is a government entity or a healthcare provider, maintaining a working TTY number remains a best practice and may be legally required.
For businesses considering whether to maintain a TTY number, the best approach is to evaluate your customer base and ensure you have multiple accessible communication channels. A TTY number, a relay-compatible voice line, a live chat option, and a clearly published email address together create a comprehensive accessibility profile that serves the widest range of Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.
TTY Numbers and Emergency Services
TTY access to emergency services is one of the most critical applications of this technology. All 911 call centers in the United States are required to accept TTY calls. When a Deaf person dials 911 from a TTY device, the call is routed to a dispatcher trained to handle text-based emergency communication.
When calling 911 on a TTY, press the space bar several times after the call connects to signal that you are using a TTY device. The dispatcher will then switch to TTY mode and communicate with you through text. Provide your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other relevant information. Stay on the line until the dispatcher confirms that help is on the way.
Some communities have implemented Text-to-911 services that allow people to text 911 directly from a cell phone without needing a TTY device. While this technology is expanding, it is not yet available everywhere. Check with your local 911 center to find out if Text-to-911 is supported in your area. Until it becomes universal, TTY remains the most reliable text-based method for contacting emergency services.
Non-emergency government services also maintain TTY numbers. Police non-emergency lines, fire department administrative offices, poison control centers, and crisis hotlines often have dedicated TTY numbers. Keeping these numbers saved in your TTY device’s memory ensures you can reach essential services quickly when needed. For the Deaf community, knowing your local TTY numbers is as important as knowing your local emergency contacts.
Related Articles
Practice ASL Signs
Use your camera to practice signs and get real-time AI feedback on your technique.
Free · No signup required