Download Free Car Purchase Deposit Contract Template in Mompia (Word/PDF)
Buying a used car from a private seller or a dealership in Spain can sometimes be competitive, and you want to ensure the vehicle is taken off the market while you arrange financing or final inspection. This is where a Car Purchase Deposit Contract (known in Spain as a Contrato de Arras Penitenciales) comes in. This legally binding private agreement allows a buyer to secure a vehicle by paying a small upfront deposit, establishing clear penalties if either party backs out of the final sale. Below, you will find a practical, bilingual template tailored for transactions in Mompia and across Cantabria.
Instructions on how and where to use this contract in Mompia
Unlike official administrative forms, a private car purchase deposit contract does not need to be submitted to a local government office or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at the moment of signing. Instead, you and the seller should follow these practical steps in Mompia:
- Print two copies: Both the buyer and the seller must sign and date two identical physical copies so each party retains an original record.
- Sign in person: It is strongly recommended to sign the contract at the time the deposit is handed over.
- Payment method: Avoid paying large deposits in cash. Use bank transfers (transferencia bancaria immediate) or Bizum so there is an undeniable digital paper trail referencing the car's license plate (matrícula).
- Final paperwork: Once the final payment is made and the car is handed over, you will still need to complete the official ownership transfer (cambio de titularidad) at a Gestoría or directly through the DGT headquarters in Santander.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / CAR PURCHASE DEPOSIT CONTRACT
En Mompia (Santa Cruz de Bezana, Cantabria), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].
In Mompia (Santa Cruz de Bezana, Cantabria), on [Day] of [Month], [Year].
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
DE UNA PARTE (EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER):
D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos / Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Número de DNI/NIE], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Dirección completa en Mompia o Cantabria], teléfono [Teléfono] y correo electrónico [Email].
DE OTRA PARTE (EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER):
D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos / Full Name], con DNI/NIE [Número de DNI/NIE], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Dirección completa], teléfono [Teléfono] y correo electrónico [Email].
Ambas partes se reconocen la capacidad legal necesaria para otorgar el presente contrato y / Both parties mutually recognize their legal capacity to enter into this contract and:
EXPONEN / DECLARE
PRIMERO: Que el Vendedor es propietario del vehículo usado cuyas características se detallan a continuación:
FIRST: That the Seller is the owner of the used vehicle with the following details:
- Marca / Make: [Marca]
- Modelo / Model: [Modelo]
- Matrícula / License Plate: [Matrícula]
- Número de Bastidor / VIN: [Número de Bastidor]
- Kilómetros / Mileage: [Kilometraje actual]
SEGUNDO: Que el Comprador está interesado en la adquisición del referido vehículo, por lo que mediante este documento formalizan un contrato de arras penitenciales conforme al artículo 1454 del Código Civil español.
SECOND: That the Buyer is interested in acquiring the aforementioned vehicle, and therefore formalize a deposit contract pursuant to Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code.
ESTIPULACIONES / CLAUSES
PRIMERA (Precio): El precio total convenido para la compraventa del vehículo es de [Cantidad en números] euros ([Cantidad en letra] €), impuestos incluidos.
FIRST (Price): The total agreed price for the sale of the vehicle is [Amount in numbers] euros ([Amount in words] €), taxes included.
SEGUNDA (Arras): En este acto, el Comprador entrega al Vendedor la cantidad de [Cantidad del depósito] euros ([Cantidad en letra del depósito] €) en concepto de señal o arras, sirviendo este documento como el más eficaz recibo de dicho pago. Dicha cantidad será descontada del precio final en el momento de la firma del contrato de compraventa definitivo.
SECOND (Deposit): By this act, the Buyer delivers to the Seller the amount of [Deposit amount] euros ([Deposit amount in words] €) as a deposit, this document serving as the most effective receipt of said payment. This amount will be deducted from the final price upon signing the final sales contract.
TERCERA (Plazo): La firma del contrato de compraventa definitivo y el pago del resto del precio pendiente ([Precio total menos depósito] €) se llevarán a cabo antes del día [Fecha límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. Si llegado dicho día el Comprador no hubiese pagado el resto ni formalizado la compra, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el incumplimiento fuera por parte del Vendedor, este estará obligado a devolver al Comprador el doble de la cantidad recibida.
THIRD (Deadline): The signing of the final sales contract and the payment of the remaining balance ([Total price minus deposit] €) shall take place before [Deadline Date] of [Month], [Year]. If by said date the Buyer has not paid the balance nor formalized the purchase, they shall forfeit the deposit. If the breach is by the Seller, they shall be obliged to return to the Buyer double the amount received.
Y en prueba de conformidad, ambas partes firman el presente contrato por duplicado y a un solo efecto en Mompia, en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados.
And in witness whereof, both parties sign this contract in duplicate and for a single purpose in Mompia, at the place and date indicated above.
________________________ (El Vendedor / Seller) ________________________ (El Comprador / Buyer)
Additional documentation required
When you meet in Mompia to finalize the deposit and subsequently the actual vehicle handover, make sure you inspect and request the following documentation to protect your purchase legally:
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (Permiso de Circulación): Verify that the person signing as the seller matches the official registered owner.
- Technical Inspection Card (Tarjeta de ITV): Check that the ITV is up to date and review the inspection stamps.
- Proof of Road Tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica - IVTM): Ensure the previous year's local municipal tax in Santa Cruz de Bezana has been paid.
- DNI/NIE photocopies: Always obtain a copy of the seller's valid ID (DNI or NIE) attached to the purchase paperwork.
- Informe del Vehículo (DGT): It is highly recommended to pull a simple vehicle report from the DGT app or website beforehand to guarantee there are no hidden fines, embargoes, or outstanding financial loads on the car.
Expert Tip for Mompia Buyers: Always inspect the vehicle thoroughly in daylight and, if buying from a private individual, consider taking it to a local mechanic workshop in the Bezana or Mompia area for a quick diagnostic check before handing over the deposit. Clear communication and a well-signed deposit contract prevent misunderstandings and guarantee a smooth legal transition of your new vehicle.