How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Nava (La): Downloadable Arras Contract Template
Buying a used car from a private seller in Spain can be a stressful experience, especially when you want to ensure the vehicle is reserved for you while you arrange financing or a mechanic's inspection. In the Spanish legal system, the "Contrato de Arras" is the standard tool used to formalize a deposit. By signing this document, you effectively reserve the vehicle and provide a legal guarantee: if the seller backs out, they must return double the deposit; if you back out, you lose the deposit.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Nava (La)
Since this is a private contract between two individuals, you do not need to submit it to the City Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Nava (La) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at this stage. Instead, follow these steps to ensure it is legally binding:
- Fill out the document: Complete the bilingual template provided below with the details of both the buyer and the seller.
- Sign in duplicate: Print two copies. Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
- Exchange of funds: The payment of the deposit should be made via bank transfer (for traceability) or in cash (if under the legal limit of €1,000 for business transactions, though bank transfer is always recommended for private sales).
- Keep records: Keep your signed copy safe. You will need it later to prove the price agreed upon when you go to the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico to complete the official transfer of ownership (Cambio de Titularidad).
CONTRATO DE ARRAS (BILINGUAL VEHICLE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT)
En/In: Nava (La), Fecha/Date: [Date]
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
De una parte, el VENDEDOR/SELLER: [Name], con DNI/NIE: [ID Number], y domicilio en [Address].
De otra parte, el COMPRADOR/BUYER: [Name], con DNI/NIE: [ID Number], y domicilio en [Address].
OBJETO / OBJECT:
El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender al COMPRADOR el vehículo / The SELLER agrees to sell the vehicle:
Marca/Make: [Brand] | Modelo/Model: [Model] | Matrícula/Plate: [Plate Number]
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total de venta es de [Price in Euros] €. / The total sale price is [Price in Euros] €.
El COMPRADOR entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] € en concepto de arras. / The BUYER pays [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS:
Si el VENDEDOR desiste de la venta, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad entregada. Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá la cantidad entregada. / If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the deposit. If the BUYER withdraws, they forfeit the deposit.
La compraventa definitiva se formalizará antes del día [Deadline Date]. / The final sale shall be formalized before [Deadline Date].
Firmado/Signed (Vendedor): ____________________ Firmado/Signed (Comprador): ____________________
Additional documentation required
While the Arras contract secures the deal, you will eventually need the following documents to finalize the transfer of the car at the DGT:
- Permiso de Circulación: The original vehicle registration document.
- ITV Card: The "Ficha Técnica" showing the vehicle has passed its technical inspection.
- Proof of Payment: Receipt of the ITP tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) paid to the regional tax office.
- DNI/NIE: Original identification of both parties.
Expert Tip: Always check the "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT before signing the Arras contract. This document costs a small fee and will tell you if the car has any "cargas" (liens, debts, or embargoes) that could prevent you from registering it in your name. In Nava (La), you can easily request this online through the DGT website using your Cl@ve or Digital Certificate.