Download Free Car Purchase Deposit Contract Template (Word/PDF) in Lucena Del Puerto
Buying or selling a second-hand car privately in Spain can be stressful without the proper legal safeguards. A "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Contract) is a legally binding preliminary agreement where the buyer pays a small deposit to reserve the vehicle, and the seller agrees to take it off the market. If you are transacting in Lucena Del Puerto, having a clear, bilingual document protects both parties against unexpected withdrawals, ensuring a smooth transition before the official transfer of ownership at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
Instructions on how and where to use and sign this document in Lucena Del Puerto
Unlike administrative tax forms, a Contrato de Arras is a private contract between the buyer and the seller. Therefore, it does not need to be submitted to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Lucena Del Puerto or any regional office at the moment of signing. However, both parties must sign it in duplicate—keeping one physical or digital copy each. To make it fully effective in Lucena Del Puerto:
- Meet in a secure, public place within Lucena Del Puerto or sign it digitally if both parties agree.
- Ensure the buyer transfers the deposit via bank transfer (preferred for traceability) or pays in cash with a signed receipt attached.
- Attach clear photocopies of the DNI, NIE, or Passport of both the buyer and the seller to the contract.
- Once the final payment is made and the car is handed over, proceed to change ownership at a gestoría or online via the DGT portal.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Lucena Del Puerto (Huelva), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
DE UNA PARTE, D./Dña. [Nombre del Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número de DNI], y domicilio en [Dirección en Lucena Del Puerto], en adelante el VENDEDOR / THE SELLER.
Y DE OTRA PARTE, D./Dña. [Nombre del Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número de DNI], y domicilio en [Dirección del Comprador], en adelante el COMPRADOR / THE BUYER.
Ambas partes se reconocen la capacidad legal necesaria para otorgar el presente documento, y / Both parties mutually recognize their legal capacity to sign this document, and
MANIFIESTAN / DECLARE
I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo cuyas características son: / That the SELLER is the owner of the vehicle with the following characteristics:
- Marca / Make: [Marca]
- Modelo / Model: [Modelo]
- Matrícula / License Plate: [Matrícula]
- Bastidor / VIN: [Número de Bastidor]
II. Que el COMPRADOR está interesado en la adquisición del citado vehículo, por lo que ambas partes acuerdan celebrar un CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, conforme a las siguientes: / That the BUYER is interested in purchasing said vehicle, and therefore both parties agree to execute this EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT, subject to the following:
CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES
PRIMERA (Precio y Arras) / FIRST (Price and Deposit): El precio total pactado para la compraventa del vehículo es de [Precio Total en Letras] euros ([Precio] €). En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de señal o arras la cantidad de [Cantidad de Arras en Letras] euros ([Cantidad] €) mediante [Efectivo / Transferencia Bancaria], sirviendo este documento como el más eficaz recibo de pago. / The total agreed price for the sale is [Price in words] euros. In this act, the BUYER delivers as a deposit the amount of [Deposit in words] euros via [Cash/Bank Transfer], this document serving as the most effective payment receipt.
SEGUNDA (Plazo) / SECOND (Deadline): El otorgamiento del contrato definitivo de compraventa y el pago del resto del importe pendiente ([Resto del importe] €) se realizarán antes del día [Fecha límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. / The final sales contract and the payment of the remaining amount ([Remaining amount] €) shall be executed before [Deadline Date].
TERCERA (Incumplimiento) / THIRD (Breach of Contract): Si el COMPRADOR desiste de la operación, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el desistimiento proviene del VENDEDOR, este deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida, de conformidad con el artículo 1454 del Código Civil español. / If the BUYER withdraws, they will forfeit the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received, in accordance with Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code.
Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente contrato por duplicado en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados. / And as proof of conformity, they sign this contract in duplicate 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 successfully complete the transaction after signing this earnest money contract in Lucena Del Puerto, make sure the seller provides you with the following physical or digital documents on the day of the final sale:
- Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's registration certificate.
- Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica (ITV): Including the latest favorable inspection report and sticker.
- Proof of IVTM payment: Receipt showing that the municipal road tax ("Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica") for the previous year has been paid to the Ayuntamiento de Lucena Del Puerto.
- DNI/NIE photocopies: Valid identification documents of the seller (and buyer).
- Contrato de Compraventa and DGT Transfer forms: Signed by both parties to formally register the change of ownership.
Expert Tip: Never hand over the remaining balance or drive the car away until you have verified through the DGT headquarters or via a professional "gestor" that the vehicle has no hidden embargoes, fines, or outstanding financial charges ("cargas") registered against it in Spain. Taking this precaution in Lucena Del Puerto will guarantee a safe and completely transparent purchase.