Downloadable Deposit Contract (Contrato de Arras) for Buying a Car in Elorrio
When purchasing a vehicle between private individuals in Spain, securing the deal is essential to prevent the seller from selling the car to someone else while you arrange financing or inspections. A Contrato de Arras is a private legal agreement where the buyer pays a small deposit to reserve the vehicle. If the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must legally return double the amount received. This document provides the necessary security for your transaction in Elorrio.
How and where to use this document in Elorrio
Since this is a private contract between two individuals, you do not need to submit it to the City Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Elorrio or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at this stage. Instead, follow these steps:
- Print two copies: Both the buyer and the seller must sign both copies so that each party retains an original.
- Verification: Ensure the seller shows you the original "Permiso de Circulación" and the "Ficha Técnica" of the vehicle to confirm they are the legal owner.
- Location: While this can be signed anywhere in Elorrio, it is best practice to sign it at the location where the vehicle is parked, after you have visually inspected it.
- Payment: Do not pay the full price of the car until the final "Contrato de Compraventa" is signed and the transfer of ownership is initiated.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / DEPOSIT CONTRACT
En Elorrio, a [Date] de [Month] de 202X.
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, D./Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI [Seller ID], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" / "THE SELLER".
De otra parte, D./Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI [Buyer ID], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" / "THE BUYER".
EXPONEN / AGREE:
1. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo [Make and Model], con matrícula [License Plate] y número de bastidor [VIN].
2. Que el COMPRADOR desea adquirir dicho vehículo por el precio total de [Amount] €.
3. Que para asegurar la compra, el COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras. / The BUYER pays the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.
4. El resto del precio, [Remaining Amount] €, se abonará el día [Date of final sale] mediante [Method of payment]. / The remaining balance shall be paid on [Date] via [Method].
5. Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el duplo de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 Código Civil). / If the BUYER withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount (Art. 1454 Spanish Civil Code).
Firmado / Signed:
[Seller Signature] | [Buyer Signature]
Additional documentation required
Once you have signed the Contrato de Arras and are ready to finalize the purchase, you will need to prepare the following documentation to complete the transfer of ownership (Cambio de Titularidad) at the DGT:
- Contrato de Compraventa: A formal bill of sale.
- DNI copies: Valid identification for both parties.
- Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP): You must pay the transfer tax (Model 620 or 621) at the Basque Tax Office (Hacienda Foral de Bizkaia).
- Permiso de Circulación: Ensure the vehicle has no "cargas" (liens) by requesting a "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT website.
Expert Tip: Always verify that the vehicle has passed its most recent ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) and that there are no outstanding traffic fines attached to the license plate before handing over any money. If you are buying a used car in Elorrio, consider visiting a local "Gestoría" if you want a professional to handle the tax and DGT paperwork for you; it is a small fee that provides great peace of mind.