In 1990, it was reported that the naked DNA encoding an antigen (so-called DNA vaccine) transduced directly into the muscle is able to induce immune responses just like antigen inoculation. Since then, a number of DNA vaccines against different diseases have been developed and shown to induce different levels of specific humoral and/or cell-mediated immunity. Efforts have been made to develop effective DNA vaccines against classical swine fever (CSF). This review covered the following aspects in the development and application of CSF DNA vaccines: construction and evaluation, application of adjuvants, combination with other vaccines and the existing problems and solutions.