Download Your Car Purchase Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras) for Argamasilla de Calatrava
When buying a used vehicle in Spain, it is common practice to secure the deal with a "Contrato de Arras." This is a private deposit agreement that legally binds both the buyer and the seller. By signing this, the buyer pays a small portion of the total price upfront to "reserve" the car, while the seller commits to taking the vehicle off the market. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must typically return double the amount received. This document is essential for protecting your interests before finalizing the transfer at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
How and where to use this document in Argamasilla de Calatrava
Since this is a private contract between two individuals, you do not need to submit it to the Argamasilla de Calatrava Town Hall or any government office. Instead, you and the seller should sign two identical copies—one for each party—at the time of the initial deposit payment. Once the final payment is made, you will proceed to the official transfer of the vehicle (transferencia de vehículos). While you can complete the administrative transfer online via the DGT website, for in-person support or vehicle tax (Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) inquiries, you may visit the local municipal offices in Argamasilla de Calatrava or a professional "Gestoría" in the Ciudad Real province to ensure all paperwork is filed correctly.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PARA LA COMPRAVENTA DE VEHÍCULO / VEHICLE PURCHASE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. _________________________, con DNI/NIE ________________, en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" (The Seller).
De otra parte, D./Dña. _________________________, con DNI/NIE ________________, en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" (The Buyer).
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo: Marca: __________, Modelo: __________, Matrícula: __________, Bastidor: __________. / The SELLER agrees to sell to the BUYER the vehicle: Make: __________, Model: __________, Plate: __________, VIN: __________.
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total de venta es de __________ euros. El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de __________ euros en concepto de ARRAS, que se descontarán del precio final. / The total sale price is __________ euros. The BUYER pays today the amount of __________ euros as a DEPOSIT, which will be deducted from the final price.
PLAZO / DEADLINE:
La compraventa se formalizará antes del día ____ de __________ de 20____. / The sale will be formalized before the day ____ of __________ 20____.
PENALIZACIÓN / PENALTY:
Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de las arras recibidas (Art. 1454 Código Civil). / If the BUYER withdraws, they forfeit the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the deposit received (Art. 1454 Civil Code).
Firmado en Argamasilla de Calatrava, a ____ de __________ de 20____. / Signed in Argamasilla de Calatrava, on ____ of __________ 20____.
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
- A copy of the seller's valid ID (DNI/NIE) and your own ID.
- The vehicle’s "Permiso de Circulación" (Registration Certificate).
- The "Ficha Técnica" (Technical Sheet) of the vehicle.
- Proof that the "Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (IVTM) for the previous year has been paid in Argamasilla de Calatrava.
- A "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT to ensure the car has no outstanding liens, embargoes, or unpaid fines.
Expert Tip: Never hand over the full payment until you have verified the vehicle's status through an official DGT report. Always ensure the "Contrato de Arras" clearly states the date by which the final transaction must occur. If you are unfamiliar with Spanish vehicle transfer laws, hiring a local "Gestor" in the Ciudad Real area is a small investment that can save you significant bureaucratic headaches later on.