A graphic abstract on the recent trends and developments in forensic DNA extraction. Biological materials (often on swabs) are usually processed using classical forensic DNA extraction methods, and followed by DNA quantitation, STR‐PCR amplification, and capillary electrophoretic detection of fluorescent amplicons in forensic DNA profiling. However, challenges such as the incomplete separation of spermic DNA from sperm‐epithelial cell mixtures, increasing demands for ever‐faster DNA results, or even on‐scene DNA processing, and processing of difficult samples such as skeletal remains or samples contaminated by Chemical, Biological, or Radiological (CBR) agents drives the development of alternative DNA extraction methods to tackle these challenges. Therefore, this review paper focuses on recent trends and developments in four areas of forensic DNA extraction: (1) analysis of sexual assault evidence which often represents a significant portion of a forensic DNA laboratory's casework, (2) use of portable rapid DNA instruments which has gained much traction among law enforcement in recent times, (3) DNA extraction from difficult and CBR‐contaminated samples which, albeit rare, would be essential in a DNA laboratory's toolbox in the event of an incident, and (4) bypassing DNA extraction altogether.