CODIS—Expungement Policy

Expungement of DNA Records in Accordance with 42 U.S.C. 14132(d)(1)(A)

These procedures are intended for expungement of DNA records resulting from a conviction for a qualifying federal or District of Columbia offense, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 14132(d)(1)(B) or resulting from an arrest under the authority of the United States. An expungement is the complete removal of a DNA profile from the National DNA Index System and the destruction of the associated DNA sample(s) (e.g., liquid blood sample, FTA card, non-FTA card, buccal collection device, extracted DNA, amplified DNA).

These procedures do not apply to the expungement from the National DNA Index System of DNA records resulting from state or Department of Defense convictions or arrests. Individuals who wish for information on how to expunge a state arrest or conviction should contact the appropriate state or the Department of Defense.

1. In order to request expungement of DNA records under 42 U.S.C. 14132(d)(1)(A), you or your legal representative must submit a written request to the following address:

Federal Bureau of Investigation
Laboratory Division
2501 Investigation Parkway
Quantico, VA 22135
Attention: Federal Convicted Offender Program Manager

2. If your request is for expungement of DNA records resulting from a conviction for a qualifying federal or District of Columbia offense, you must include, for each conviction, a certified copy of a final court order establishing that the conviction has been overturned.

3. If your request is for expungement of DNA records resulting from an arrest under the authority of the United States, you must include, for each charge for which your DNA record was or could have been included in the national DNA index, a certified copy of a final court order establishing that such charge has been dismissed, has resulted in an acquittal, or that no charge was filed within the applicable time period.

4. The copy of the court order must contain a certification that it is a true and accurate copy of the original court order and be signed and dated by an appropriate court official, such as a court clerk. The copy of the court order itself must be signed by a judge, be dated, and include sufficient identifying information (at a minimum the person’s full name, social security number, and/or date of birth) to determine the identity of the person and the conviction offense that has been overturned, the charge that has been dismissed, the charge that resulted in an acquittal, or the arrest for which no charges were filed within the applicable time period.

If the written request does not include a copy of the final court order, the request will not be processed.