The process required to purchase a handgun has changed in recent years. Under the Brady Bill the process proceeds like this.

PROCEDURE:
An individual goes to a federally licensed firearms dealer and fill outs a form, a "Statement of Intent to Obtain a Handgun" and certifies that he/she is not a prohibited person.

A prohibited person is one that;

Is under indictment for or convicted of a felony
Is a fugitive from justice
Is an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances
Has been adjudicated as having a mental disorder or has been committed to a mental institution
Is an illegal alien
Has a dishonorable discharge from the military
Has renounced his/her U.S. citizenship.
Or, has a misdemeanor conviction for a charge involving domestic violence any time in their past.

The dealer is required to complete the form and verify the identity of the person by examining a valid government issued identification document that contains the individual's name, address, date of birth, and photograph. Within one day, the dealer must contact the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATF), and provide the buyer's name, address and date of birth to the BATF.

This process only involves dealers. If you are purchasing a handgun from an individual this process is not required.

FEES:
No fee is charged for the processing done by the dealers or the BATF.

CONTACTS:
Should you have any questions concerning the purchasing of a firearm, contact the Kansas City Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives at 816-559-0700 or ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives