The paper gives a historical perspective of forensic DNA analysis and overviews existing technologies implemented in forensic laboratories for DNA profiling. Short tandem repeat analysis, mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome analysis are described. The review also focuses on emerging new technologies, which represent an interest for the DNA forensic community. Short tandem repeat analysis, by microelectronic chip device, electrophoretic microdevice and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry are reviewed in this context.