Download Your Car Purchase Deposit Contract (Contrato de Arras) Template for Bens in Word or PDF

When buying or selling a car privately in Spain, securing the deal is crucial. A "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Contract) is a legally binding private agreement where the buyer pays a small deposit to reserve the vehicle, and the seller takes it off the market. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return it doubled. This practical guide helps you handle this crucial step safely in Bens, Spain.

Instructions on how and where to submit it in Bens

The Contrato de Arras is a private contract between the buyer and the seller, meaning it does not need to be submitted to any official government office or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at the time of signing. You should sign it in duplicate (one copy for each party) either in person in Bens or digitally. However, to ensure maximum legal validity and prevent future disputes regarding vehicle condition or hidden defects, both parties should sign every page and include photocopies of their DNI/NIE documents. Once the final payment is made and ownership is transferred, the official change of ownership must be processed through the DGT or a Gestoría.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT

En Bens (A Coruña), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].

REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES

De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante el VENDEDOR.

De otra parte, D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante el COMPRADOR.

Ambas partes se reconocen la capacidad legal necesaria para otorgar el presente contrato.

EXPONEN / BACKGROUND

I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo marca [Marca], modelo [Modelo], con matrícula [Matrícula] y número de bastidor [Bastidor], en adelante el VEHÍCULO.

II. Que el COMPRADOR está interesado en la adquisición del VEHÍCULO en las condiciones actuales que declara conocer y aceptar.

III. Que ambas partes acuerdan celebrar un contrato de arras penitenciales de conformidad con las siguientes:

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES

PRIMERA (Precio y Arras): El precio total pactado para la compraventa del VEHÍCULO es de [Cantidad en euros] euros ([000] €). En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de señal o arras la cantidad de [Cantidad depósito] euros ([000] €) mediante [efectivo / transferencia bancaria], sirviendo este documento como eficaz carta de pago.

FIRST (Price and Deposit): The total agreed price for the sale of the VEHICLE is [Amount in words] euros ([000] €). In this act, the BUYER delivers as a deposit the amount of [Deposit amount] euros ([000] €) via [cash / bank transfer], this document serving as effective receipt.

SEGUNDA (Plazo): El contrato definitivo de compraventa y el pago del resto del precio pendiente ([Cantidad pendiente] €) se realizarán antes del día [Fecha límite] de [Mes] de [Año].

SECOND (Deadline): The final contract of sale and the payment of the remaining balance ([Pending amount] €) shall be executed no later than [Deadline date].

TERCERA (Incumplimiento): Si el COMPRADOR desistiere del contrato, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el Vendedor desistiere, estará obligado a devolver al COMPRADOR las arras duplicadas, conforme al artículo 1454 del Código Civil.

THIRD (Default): If the BUYER withdraws from the contract, they will forfeit the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return the deposit in double, pursuant to Article 1454 of the Civil Code.

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente documento por duplicado y a un solo efecto en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados.

And in witness whereof, the parties sign this document in duplicate at the place and date above written.

Fdo. El Vendedor / The Seller: _________________      Fdo. El Comprador / The Buyer: _________________

Additional documentation required

To ensure a smooth transaction alongside your Contrato de Arras in Bens, make sure you gather and review the following documentation before finalizing the purchase:

• Photocopy of the DNI, NIE, or Passport of both the buyer and the seller.
• The vehicle's Permiso de Circulación (Registration Certificate).
• Ficha Técnica del Vehículo (Technical Inspection Card), ensuring the ITV (Periodic Technical Inspection) is completely up to date.
• Proof of payment of the local vehicle tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica - IVTM) corresponding to the previous year.
• A recent Informe del Vehículo from the DGT to verify there are no hidden fines, embargoes, or outstanding finance linked to the car.

Closing paragraph with expert tips

Always perform the transaction with transparency. Never hand over cash without getting a signed receipt or executing this exact Contrato de Arras. If you are buying a used car in Bens, taking it to a trusted local mechanic for a quick pre-purchase inspection before handing over the final balance will save you from unexpected repair bills. Once the final contract is signed, remember that you have a legal deadline of 30 days to complete the change of ownership at the Dirección General de Tráfico.