How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Cadaval: Downloadable Deposit Contract Template

Buying a car from a private seller in Spain can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to legal security. A "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Contract) is the standard legal instrument used to formalize a reservation. By signing this document, the buyer commits to purchasing the vehicle, and the seller commits to holding it for the buyer, usually upon payment of a small deposit. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return double the amount. This template provides the legal certainty you need when finalizing a vehicle transaction in Cadaval.

Instructions on how and where to use this document in Cadaval

This document is a private contract between two parties. You do not need to submit it to the Cadaval Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at the moment of signing. Instead, follow these steps:

• Print two copies of the bilingual template provided below.
• Both the buyer and the seller must sign and date every page of both copies.
• Each party must keep one original signed copy.
• Once the final payment is made and the vehicle is handed over, you will proceed to the "Cambio de Titularidad" (Change of Ownership) at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico or through a specialized gestoría in Cadaval.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT

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 vende al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca _________, modelo _________, con matrícula _________ y número de bastidor __________________.
THE SELLER sells to THE BUYER the vehicle make _________, model _________, license plate _________ and VIN number __________________.

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.
The total sale price is _________ euros. THE BUYER pays today the amount of _________ euros as an earnest money deposit.

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

Firmado en Cadaval, a ____ de _________ de 20__.
Signed in Cadaval, on this ____ day of _________, 20__.

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

Additional documentation required

While the contract secures your reservation, you will need the following documents to complete the full transfer of the vehicle later:

• The original "Permiso de Circulación" (Vehicle Registration Certificate).
• The "Ficha Técnica" (Technical Sheet) of the vehicle.
• Proof of payment of the "Impuesto de Circulación" (IVTM) for the previous year.
• A copy of the DNI/NIE of both the buyer and the seller.
• The "Contrato de Compraventa" (Final Bill of Sale), which is separate from this deposit contract.

Expert tip: Before handing over any money, always request a "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT website. It costs a small fee but will reveal if the car has any outstanding charges, embargoes, or technical restrictions that could prevent you from registering it in your name. Never finalize the transaction if the report shows "cargas" (liens) on the vehicle.