How to Buy or Sell a Used Car in Palafrugell: Download Our Free Bilingual Contract Template
Buying or selling a vehicle between private individuals in Spain requires a formal Contrato de Compraventa (Private Sales Contract) to protect both parties. This document serves as the legal proof of the transfer of ownership, outlining the vehicle's condition, the agreed price, and the transfer of responsibility. Using a formal contract is essential to prevent future disputes regarding hidden mechanical defects or traffic fines incurred before the sale.
Instructions on how and where to submit it in Palafrugell
Once both parties have signed the contract, the process in Palafrugell involves three main steps:
- Tax Payment: You must pay the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP, Model 620) at the Agència Tributària de Catalunya. You can often do this online if you have a digital certificate, or at a collaborating bank.
- DGT Appointment: To change the ownership (cambio de titularidad) in the national register, you must book an appointment at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office in Girona.
- Local Council (Ayuntamiento de Palafrugell): While the DGT handles the national registry, ensure your records are updated for the Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica (IVTM), also known as the "road tax," at the Palafrugell local tax office to avoid future municipal payment notifications.
CONTRATO DE COMPRAVENTA DE VEHÍCULO / VEHICLE SALES CONTRACT
En Palafrugell, a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año] / In Palafrugell, on [Day] of [Month], [Year].
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número], en adelante "el Vendedor". / On one side, Mr./Ms. [Seller Name], with ID [Number], hereinafter "the Seller".
De otra parte, D./Dña. [Nombre Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número], en adelante "el Comprador". / On the other side, Mr./Ms. [Buyer Name], with ID [Number], hereinafter "the Buyer".
OBJETO / OBJECT
El Vendedor transfiere al Comprador el vehículo marca [Marca], modelo [Modelo], matrícula [Matrícula] y número de bastidor [Bastidor]. / The Seller transfers to the Buyer the vehicle make [Make], model [Model], license plate [Plate], and VIN [VIN].
PRECIO Y CONDICIONES / PRICE AND TERMS
El precio acordado es de [Precio] euros, que el Comprador abona en este acto mediante [Método de pago]. / The agreed price is [Price] euros, which the Buyer pays at this moment via [Payment method].
El vehículo se vende en el estado en que se encuentra, siendo el Comprador responsable de comprobar su estado mecánico. / The vehicle is sold in its current condition, with the Buyer being responsible for verifying its mechanical state.
Firma del Vendedor / Seller's Signature: ____________________
Firma del Comprador / Buyer's Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
To finalize the process successfully, you must ensure you have the following documents ready:
- The original vehicle registration document (Permiso de Circulación).
- The vehicle's technical inspection card (Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica or ITV), with the latest inspection stamp.
- Proof of payment of the IVTM (Road Tax) for the previous year.
- Photocopies of the DNI/NIE of both the buyer and the seller.
- A signed "Solicitud de Cambio de Titularidad" form provided by the DGT.
Expert Tip: Always check if the vehicle has any "cargas" or "embargos" (liens or seizures) before handing over any money. You can request a "Informe del Vehículo" from the DGT website for a small fee. This report will tell you if the car is legally allowed to be sold. Furthermore, never leave the transfer of ownership to the other party; as a seller, confirm the change has been registered in the DGT system within 15 days to avoid being liable for future traffic tickets generated by the new owner.