Download Free Car Deposit Contract Template (Arras) in Grajal De Ribera (Word/PDF)

Buying or selling a used car privately in Spain requires legal security for both parties. Whether you are closing a deal in the peaceful rural municipality of Grajal De Ribera or anywhere else in the province of León, handing over money without a written agreement is a major risk. 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 under agreed-upon conditions.

Instructions on how and where to use this contract in Grajal De Ribera

Unlike bureaucratic paperwork that must be submitted to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) or local town halls, a Contrato de Arras is a private agreement between the buyer and the seller. Therefore, you do not need to file it at any specific municipal office in Grajal De Ribera. However, to ensure it is legally effective and executed smoothly, follow these practical steps:

• Print two copies: Both the buyer and seller must sign and date two identical physical copies (one for each party).
• Verify identities: Always request the DNI or NIE of the other party and check that the person selling the car matches the name on the vehicle's registration papers (Permiso de Circulación).
• Secure the transaction: The deposit (arras) is usually paid in cash for small amounts, but bank transfers provide a verifiable paper trail, which is strongly recommended even in smaller towns.
• Next steps: Once the arras contract is signed and the deposit is paid, the parties must proceed to sign the final Bill of Sale (Contrato de Compraventa) and complete the DGT ownership transfer within the agreed timeframe.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIARÍAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT

En Grajal De Ribera (León), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].

REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES

DE UNA PARTE, D./Dña. [Nombre del Vendedor], con DNI [Número de DNI], y domicilio en [Dirección del Vendedor], en adelante el VENDEDOR.

AND ON THE OTHER PART, Mr./Ms. [Buyer's Name], with ID/Passport [ID Number], and address at [Buyer's Address], hereinafter the BUYER.

Ambas partes se reconocen la capacidad legal necesaria para el otorgamiento del presente contrato. / Both parties mutually acknowledge the legal capacity to enter into this contract.

EXPONEN / STATEMENTS

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

I. That the SELLER is the owner of the vehicle make [Make], model [Model], license plate [License Plate], and VIN [VIN], hereinafter the VEHICLE.

II. Que el VENDEDOR desea vender el VEHÍCULO y el COMPRADOR desea adquirirlo en el estado en el que se encuentra, el cual es conocido y aceptado por este último.

II. That the SELLER wishes to sell the VEHICLE and the BUYER wishes to purchase it in its current condition, which is known and accepted by the latter.

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES

PRIMERA (Precio y Arras): El precio total pactado por la compraventa del VEHÍCULO es de [Precio Total en Letra] euros ([Precio Total en Número] €). En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de señal o arras penitenciarias la cantidad de [Cantidad Arras en Letra] euros ([Cantidad Arras en Número] €) mediante [Efectivo / Transferencia bancaria], cantidad que será descontada del precio final en el momento de la firma del contrato definitivo de compraventa.

FIRST (Price and Deposit): The total agreed price for the sale of the VEHICLE is [Total Price in Words] euros ([Total Price in Numbers] €). By this act, the BUYER delivers as earnest money the amount of [Deposit in Words] euros ([Deposit in Numbers] €) via [Cash / Bank Transfer], which shall be deducted from the final price upon signing the final bill of sale.

SEGUNDA (Plazo): El contrato de compraventa definitivo y el cambio de titularidad del VEHÍCULO se realizarán como máximo el día [Fecha Límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. Si llegado dicho día, el COMPRADOR no hubiera pagado el resto del precio y formalizado la compra, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el incumplimiento fuera por parte del VENDEDOR, este deberá devolver al COMPRADOR el doble de la cantidad recibida.

SECOND (Deadline): The final bill of sale and the transfer of ownership of the VEHICLE shall be executed no later than [Deadline Date] of [Month], [Year]. If by said date the BUYER fails to pay the remaining price and formalize the purchase, they will forfeit the deposit. If the default is by the SELLER, they must return to the BUYER double the amount received.

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

In witness whereof, the parties sign this document in duplicate and for a single purpose at the place and date indicated above.

Fdo. El Vendedor / Signed by the Seller: ___________________      Fdo. El Comprador / Signed by the Buyer: ___________________

Additional documentation required

To ensure a completely legal and secure vehicle transaction branching out from this contract, make sure you collect and review the following documents before handing over the rest of the money:

• Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration certificate, ensuring there are no hidden leasing or renting charges.
• Ficha Técnica (Tarjeta ITV): Must show that the vehicle has a valid ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) inspection up to date.
• Proof of IVTM payment: Receipt proving that the local road tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) for the previous year has been paid in the corresponding municipality.
• DNI/NIE photocopies: Clear copies of both the buyer's and seller's identification documents.

Expert Tip from Grajal De Ribera: Always include the exact hour and minute in the contract on the day you hand over the vehicle and keys. Under Spanish law, traffic fines, tolls, and liability associated with the car transfer to the buyer the exact moment the vehicle is handed over. Keeping a signed delivery receipt along with this Contrato de Arras will protect you from any unexpected municipal fines or administrative issues in León.