DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting or genetic fingerprinting, is the process of determining an individuals deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) characteristics. DNA profiling is a forensic technique used in criminal investigations to compare criminal suspects profiles to DNA evidence to assess the likelihood of their involvement in the crime. It is also used in paternity testing, to establish immigration eligibility, and in genealogical and medical research. DNA profiling can be used to identify the origin of a DNA sample at a crime scene or test for parentage.

DNA profiling is based on the fact that although most of our DNA is identical to other peoples DNA, specific regions vary highly between people, called polymorphic regions. These regions are analyzed to give a DNA profile, which can tell the scientist if the DNA is from a man or woman, and if the sample being tested belongs to a particular person. The process of creating a DNA profile involves several steps, including procuring relevant DNA samples, amplifying the DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), attaching a fluorescent tag to the copied DNA, and determining the size of the tandem repeats using a genetic analyzer.

The technique of DNA profiling was independently developed by British geneticist Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1985 while working in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester. The system of DNA profiling used today is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and uses simple sequences. Different STR-based DNA-profiling systems are in use from country to country, with North America using systems that amplify the CODIS 20 core loci, the United Kingdom using the DNA-17 loci system, and Australia using 18 core markers. DNA profiling has also been used in the study of animal and plant populations in the fields of zoology, botany, and agriculture.