How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Llocnou De Sant Jeroni: Downloadable Deposit Contract (Arras)
Buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain can be a complex process, especially when you want to ensure the seller doesn't back out at the last minute. A Contrato de Arras (Deposit Contract) is a private agreement that legally binds both parties to the sale. By paying a small deposit, you secure the car and establish clear terms, providing you with legal protection should the seller decide to sell the vehicle to someone else instead.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Llocnou De Sant Jeroni
In Llocnou De Sant Jeroni, as in the rest of Spain, this contract is a private agreement between the buyer and the seller. You do not need to visit a government office or a notary to sign it; it is valid as long as both parties sign each page. Once signed, the buyer pays the deposit (the arras), and the document serves as your primary evidence of the agreement. If the seller breaks the contract, they are legally required to return double the amount of the deposit, according to the Spanish Civil Code.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PARA LA COMPRAVENTA DE VEHÍCULO / VEHICLE PURCHASE DEPOSIT CONTRACT
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
De una parte, D./Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI/NIE [Seller ID], con domicilio en [Seller Address] (VENDEDOR / SELLER).
Y de otra parte, D./Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI/NIE [Buyer ID], con domicilio en [Buyer Address] (COMPRADOR / BUYER).
OBJETO / OBJECT
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo [Make and Model], con matrícula [License Plate] y número de bastidor [VIN].
The SELLER agrees to sell to the BUYER the vehicle [Make and Model], with license plate [License Plate] and VIN [VIN].
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT
El precio total de la venta es de [Total Price] €. El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras.
The total sale price is [Total Price] €. The BUYER delivers at this moment the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.
PLAZO / DEADLINE
La compraventa se formalizará antes del día [Date], fecha en la que se abonará el resto del precio.
The sale will be formalized before [Date], the date on which the remainder of the price will be paid.
FIRMAS / SIGNATURES
En Llocnou De Sant Jeroni, a [Day] de [Month] de [Year].
Fdo. Vendedor / Signed Seller: ____________________
Fdo. Comprador / Signed Buyer: ____________________
Additional documentation required
While the Contrato de Arras secures the intent, you will need the following documents to finalize the transfer of ownership (transferencia de vehículo) at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico):
- Permiso de Circulación: The original vehicle registration document.
- ITV Card: The technical inspection card showing the vehicle has passed its mandatory checks.
- Receipt of IVTM: Proof that the local municipal vehicle tax (Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) has been paid for the previous year.
- ID Copies: Photocopies of the DNI or NIE of both the buyer and the seller.
- Transfer Form: The official DGT transfer request form (Solicitud de cambio de titularidad).
Expert Tip: Always perform a "Vehicle Report" (Informe de Vehículo) from the DGT website before signing any contract. This report will tell you if the car has any outstanding fines, liens, or legal encumbrances (embargos) that could prevent you from registering the car in your name. Never pay the full amount until the transfer of ownership is officially confirmed in the DGT registry.