Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Apply to Have a DNA Sample Destroyed (DNA Expungement)

    You can apply to start the process of expunging your DNA sample and profile from the PSP DNA Databank and DNA Database.

    Overview

    There are two ways DNA samples and profiles are expunged:

    • Mistaken Submission
    • Court Order

    If you attempt DNA expungement by any other method, it will not be granted.

    This process is in accordance with 44 Pa.C.S § 2321.

    Mistaken Submission DNA Expungement 

    You can request DNA expungement if you believe your DNA was submitted to the DNA database and databank in error. If PSP agrees, expungement will occur.

    If you believe your DNA was submitted in error, download and complete the Erroneous DNA Submission Removal Request form and mail it to the Forensic DNA Division.

    You are not eligible for DNA expungement if PSP has information that you were convicted or adjudicated delinquent of an offense requiring DNA sampling.

    DNA Expungement by Court Order

    You can petition a court for a DNA expungement order if either:

    1. You requested DNA expungement because of mistaken submission, and the State Police incorrectly rejected the request, or
    2. Your DNA was taken because you were convicted or adjudicated delinquent of an offense requiring DNA sampling, and
      • that conviction or adjudication was reversed by a court, and
      • no appeal is pending

    You are not eligible for DNA expungement if you have obtained a court order but have been convicted of an additional offense that also requires DNA sampling.

    Notice of Expungement

    If your DNA sample and profile are expunged, we will inform you by mail.

    After receiving a valid request for expungement or a valid court order, PSP will process the DNA expungement at no cost. You (and your attorney, if applicable) will receive written notification within 60 days after DNA expungement has occurred.

    Mail Your Form or Court Order

    Mistaken Submission

    If you’ve completed the Erroneous DNA Submission Removal Request form, mail it to:

    Pennsylvania State Police
    Bureau of Forensic Services
    Forensic DNA Division
    Attn: DNA Expungements (Erroneous Submission)
    80 North Westmoreland Avenue
    Greensburg PA 15601

    Court Order

    If you petition a court for a DNA expungement order, the court is required to forward a certified copy of that order to PSP. An acceptable copy of a court order is certified by either the clerk of courts or the prothonotary.

    If you believe the court has not forwarded a certified copy, mail it to:

    Pennsylvania State Police
    Bureau of Forensic Services
    Forensic DNA Division
    Attn: DNA Expungements
    80 North Westmoreland Avenue
    Greensburg PA 15601