How to Secure a Car Purchase in Martos: Downloadable Arras Contract Template
Buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain can be a daunting process, especially when you want to ensure the seller doesn't sell the car to someone else while you arrange the paperwork. A Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Contract) is the perfect legal tool for this. It acts as a formal reservation agreement where you pay a small deposit to secure the vehicle, legally binding both parties to the transaction. If the seller backs out, they are often required to return double the deposit, providing you with essential security.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Martos
This document is a private contract between the buyer and the seller. You do not need to submit this to the town hall (Ayuntamiento de Martos) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at this stage. Instead, follow these steps:
- Print two copies of the document (one for the buyer and one for the seller).
- Fill out all fields clearly, ensuring the VIN (Número de Bastidor) matches the vehicle's "Permiso de Circulación."
- Both parties must sign every page of the document.
- Exchange the deposit amount via a traceable method (bank transfer or Bizum) and note the transaction reference in the contract.
- Once the final sale takes place at a local gestoría in Martos, you will proceed to the formal transfer of ownership (Cambio de Titularidad).
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
EN MARTOS (JAÉN), A [Date] DE [Month] DE 202X
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
D/Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" / "THE SELLER".
D/Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" / "THE BUYER".
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR vende al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca [Brand], modelo [Model], con matrícula [License Plate] y número de bastidor [VIN].
THE SELLER sells to THE BUYER the vehicle brand [Brand], model [Model], with license plate [License Plate] and VIN [VIN].
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total es de [Total Price] €. El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras.
The total price is [Total Price] €. THE BUYER delivers at this moment the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el duplo de las arras recibidas (Art. 1454 Código Civil).
If THE BUYER withdraws, they lose the deposit. If THE SELLER withdraws, they must return double the deposit received (Art. 1454 Civil Code).
FIRMAS / SIGNATURES:
[Signature Seller] _________________ [Signature Buyer] _________________
Additional documentation required
To complete the car purchase process in Martos after signing the contract, you will eventually need the following documents to finalize the transfer of ownership at the DGT:
- The original Permiso de Circulación of the vehicle.
- The Ficha Técnica (Technical Inspection Card) showing the valid ITV.
- A copy of the seller’s and buyer’s DNI/NIE.
- Proof of payment of the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) - Model 620/621, which you can handle through the Junta de Andalucía portal.
- A formal Contrato de Compraventa (Bill of Sale) for the final transaction.
Expert Tip: Before signing the Arras, I highly recommend visiting the DGT website or a local gestoría in Martos to request an "Informe del Vehículo." This costs a small fee but will tell you if the car has any "cargas" (liens, unpaid fines, or embargoes) that could prevent you from registering it in your name. Never pay a deposit until you have confirmed the car is free of debt.