Buying a Used Car in Aldealengua: Downloadable Deposit Contract (Arras) Template

Buying a vehicle between private individuals in Spain can be a stressful process, especially when you want to ensure the seller doesn't sell the car to someone else while you arrange the paperwork. In Spanish law, a Contrato de Arras is a private agreement that acts as a down payment or "earnest money," legally binding both parties to the transaction. By signing this in Aldealengua, you effectively reserve the vehicle and set the terms for the final sale.

How and Where to Sign Your Deposit Contract in Aldealengua

Since this is a private agreement between two individuals, you do not need to submit this document to any government office or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at this stage. However, to ensure legal validity in Aldealengua:

• Print two copies: one for the buyer and one for the seller.
• Ensure both parties sign every page of the document.
• Attach a photocopy of the DNI (National ID) or NIE of both the buyer and the seller.
• If the payment is made in cash, remember that Spanish law limits cash payments between professionals and individuals to 1,000 euros; for private transactions, keep a clear record of the transfer or payment method used.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS / DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre del Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número] y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR".
(On one part, Mr./Ms. [Seller Name], with ID [Number] and address at [Address], hereinafter "THE SELLER".)

De otra parte, D./Dña. [Nombre del Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número] y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR".
(On the other part, Mr./Ms. [Buyer Name], with ID [Number] and address at [Address], hereinafter "THE BUYER".)

OBJETO / OBJECT:
EL VENDEDOR se compromete a vender a EL COMPRADOR el vehículo [Marca y Modelo], con matrícula [Matrícula] y número de bastidor [Bastidor].
(THE SELLER agrees to sell to THE BUYER the vehicle [Make and Model], with license plate [Plate] and VIN [VIN].)

PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total de venta es de [Precio] €. EL COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Cantidad de Arras] € en concepto de señal.
(The total sale price is [Price] €. THE BUYER delivers at this moment the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.)

CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si EL VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida. Si EL COMPRADOR desiste, perderá la cantidad entregada.
(If THE SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received. If THE BUYER withdraws, they will lose the amount paid.)

Firmado en Aldealengua, a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].
(Signed in Aldealengua, on [Day] of [Month] of [Year].)

Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________

Additional Documentation Required

Once you have signed the contract and are ready to finalize the purchase, ensure you have the following documents to complete the change of ownership (transferencia) at the DGT:

• Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's current registration document.
• ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos): Must be valid and current.
• Impuesto de Circulación (IVTM): Proof that the previous year's municipal road tax has been paid.
• Contrato de Compraventa: A formal bill of sale (distinct from the deposit contract).
• Modelo 620: The tax form for the Property Transfer Tax (ITP), which must be paid to the Junta de Castilla y León.

Expert Tip: Always perform a "Informe de Vehículo" through the DGT website before signing any deposit contract. This report will cost a small fee but will reveal if the car has any outstanding fines, embargoes, or administrative issues that could prevent the transfer of ownership. Never hand over money without verifying the vehicle's legal status first.