How to Use a 'Contrato de Arras' to Buy a Car in Murgia: Free Bilingual Template
Buying a used car from a private seller in Murgia can be a stressful experience. To protect your interests and ensure the seller doesn't sell the vehicle to someone else while you arrange financing or a mechanical inspection, you need a Contrato de Arras. In Spanish law, this is a "earnest money contract"—a formal agreement where you pay a small deposit to reserve the vehicle. If you back out, you lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must legally pay you back double the amount.
Instructions on how to use and formalize this contract in Murgia
You do not need to go to a government office to sign this document, as it is a private agreement between two parties. However, to ensure it holds legal weight in the province of Álava, follow these steps:
- Meeting: Meet the seller in person in Murgia to inspect the vehicle and review the documentation (Permiso de Circulación and Ficha Técnica).
- Completion: Print two copies of the template below. Both you and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
- Payment: Pay the deposit amount via bank transfer or Bizum so that there is a digital trail of the transaction. Avoid paying cash if possible.
- Retention: Each party keeps one signed original. This contract serves as the legal basis for the final sale agreement (Compraventa).
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Murgia, a [Date] de [Month] de [Year] / In Murgia, on [Date] of [Month] of [Year]
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES
De una parte, D./Dña. [Seller Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], en adelante "EL VENDEDOR" / On one side, Mr./Ms. [Seller Name], holder of ID [Number], hereinafter "THE SELLER".
De otra parte, D./Dña. [Buyer Name], con DNI/NIE [Number], en adelante "EL COMPRADOR" / On the other side, Mr./Ms. [Buyer Name], holder of ID [Number], hereinafter "THE BUYER".
OBJETO / OBJECT
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo marca [Brand], modelo [Model], matrícula [License Plate], por un precio total de [Price]€. / THE SELLER agrees to sell to THE BUYER the vehicle [Brand], model [Model], license plate [License Plate], for a total price of [Price]€.
ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY
El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount]€ en concepto de señal o arras. / THE BUYER delivers the amount of [Deposit Amount]€ as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS
Si el COMPRADOR no formaliza la compra antes del día [Date Limit], perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el VENDEDOR se arrepiente o vende el vehículo a un tercero, deberá devolver al COMPRADOR el doble de la cantidad recibida. / If THE BUYER does not formalize the purchase before [Date Limit], they shall forfeit the deposit. If THE SELLER backs out or sells the vehicle to a third party, they must return double the amount received to THE BUYER.
Firmas / Signatures:
EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER: ____________________
EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER: ____________________
Additional documentation required
Once you have signed the Contrato de Arras, you are on your way to the final purchase. When you meet to finalize the transaction, ensure you have the following:
- Original ID: Both parties must present their original DNI or NIE.
- Vehicle Documents: The seller must provide the original Permiso de Circulación and the Ficha Técnica (ITV card).
- Tax Payment: Ensure the seller has paid the Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica (IVTM) for the current year.
- Traffic Report: Request an Informe de Vehículo from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to ensure there are no outstanding liens, seizures, or unpaid fines (cargas) on the car.
Expert Tip: Always verify that the name on the Permiso de Circulación matches the person selling the car. If the owner is deceased or the car is in a company name, the paperwork becomes significantly more complex. Finally, remember that after purchasing, you have 30 days to notify the DGT of the change of ownership and pay the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) at the tax office of the Basque Country.