DNA Collection at Arrest by State
Whether DNA samples may be taken upon felony arrest (versus only post-conviction), whether all arrests trigger collection, and whether expungement is automatic if charges are dismissed.
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Felony Arrest | All Arrests | Expungement |
|---|---|---|
| Yes (all felonies) | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (auto) |
| Yes | Some misdemeanors | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes (Prop 69) | No | Yes (must petition) |
| Yes | No | Yes (auto on dismissal) |
| No (post-conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (must petition) |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| No (post-conviction only) | No | N/A |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (qualifying offenses) | No | Yes (auto) |
| Yes (since 2018) | No | Yes (must request) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (Katie's Law) | No | Yes (auto) |
| Yes (since 2014) | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (must petition) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (King v. Maryland 2013) | No | Yes (auto) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes | No | Yes (auto on dismissal) |
| Yes | No | Yes (auto) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (qualifying) | No | Yes (must request) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (Brianna's Law) | No | Yes (auto) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (qualifying) | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes (Katie's Law origin) | No | Yes (must request) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (qualifying) | No | Yes (auto) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes (violent felonies) | No | Yes (auto) |
| Yes (qualifying) | No | Yes (must request) |
| Yes | No | Yes (auto) |
| No (struck 2014) | No | N/A |
| Yes (violent felonies) | No | Yes (auto) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| Yes (since 2014) | Some misdemeanors | Yes (auto) |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
| No (conviction only) | No | N/A |
Maryland v. King (2013) upheld DNA collection at arrest for serious felonies under the Fourth Amendment. Some states require automatic destruction of samples on dismissal/acquittal; others require the arrestee to formally petition. Federal arrestees are subject to 28 CFR §28.12.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.