Download Your Car Deposit Contract (Contrato de Arras) for Patojos (Los) (Word/PDF)
When buying or selling a used car in Spain, securing the deal with a deposit is standard practice. A Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Contract) is a legally binding private agreement where the buyer pays a small fraction of the vehicle's total price to reserve it, and the seller takes the car off the market. If you are navigating a private vehicle transaction in Patojos (Los), having a solid, bilingual contract protects both parties against last-minute backing out, loss of funds, or unexpected legal surprises.
Instructions on how and where to use this contract in Patojos (Los)
Unlike bureaucratic paperwork that requires a trip to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) or the local town hall (Ayuntamiento), the Contrato de Arras is a private agreement between the buyer and the seller. You do not need to submit this document to any official registry in Patojos (Los) at the moment of signing. Instead, follow these steps:
- Review the Vehicle: Before signing or handing over any money in Patojos (Los), request a vehicle report (Informe del Vehículo) from the DGT to check for hidden fines, liens, or mileage discrepancies.
- Sign in Duplicate: Print two copies of the bilingual template below—one for the buyer and one for the seller. Both parties must sign and date every page.
- Attach Identification: Make photocopies of both parties' Spanish DNI, NIE, or passport.
- Payment of the Deposit: Transfer the deposit amount via bank transfer or pay in cash (keeping in mind Spanish cash payment limits for commercial transactions). Always get a signed receipt if cash changes hands.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Patojos (Los), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año]
In Patojos (Los), on [Day] of [Month] of [Year]
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
DE UNA PARTE (EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER):
Nombre y Apellidos / Full Name: [Nombre del Vendedor]
DNI/NIE/Pasaporte: [Número]
Domicilio / Address: [Dirección en Patojos (Los)]
Teléfono / Phone: [Número]
Email: [Correo electrónico]
Y DE OTRA PARTE (EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER):
Nombre y Apellidos / Full Name: [Nombre del Comprador]
DNI/NIE/Pasaporte: [Número]
Domicilio / Address: [Dirección]
Teléfono / Phone: [Número]
Email: [Correo electrónico]
EXPONEN / DECLARE
I. Que el Vendedor es propietario del siguiente vehículo: That the Seller is the owner of the following vehicle:
- Marca / Brand: [Marca]
- Modelo / Model: [Modelo]
- Matrícula / License Plate: [Matrícula]
- Número de Bastidor / VIN: [Bastidor]
II. Que el Comprador está interesado en la adquisición del vehículo descrito, por lo que ambas partes acuerdan celebrar el presente CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, regido por el artículo 1454 del Código Civil español. That the Buyer is interested in acquiring the described vehicle, and therefore both parties agree to enter into this PENITENTIAL EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT, governed by Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code.
CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES
PRIMERA (Precio): El precio total pactado por la compraventa del vehículo es de [Importe Total en Euros] €, impuestos incluidos. (Purchase Price): The total agreed price for the sale of the vehicle is [Total Amount in Euros] €, taxes included.
SEGUNDA (Arras): En este acto, el Comprador entrega al Vendedor la cantidad de [Importe de la Seña] € en concepto de señal o arras, sirviendo este documento como el recibí más eficaz de dicho pago. (Deposit): In this act, the Buyer delivers to the Seller the amount of [Deposit Amount] € as a deposit, this document serving as the most effective receipt for said payment.
TERCERA (Plazo): El otorgamiento del contrato definitivo de compraventa y el pago del resto del precio pendiente, es decir, [Importe Pendiente] €, se realizará antes del día [Fecha Límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. (Deadline): The execution of the final sales contract and the payment of the remaining balance, amounting to [Remaining Amount] €, shall take place before [Deadline Date] of [Month] of [Year].
CUARTA (Incumplimiento): Si el Comprador desiste de la operación, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el Vendedor desiste, estará obligado a devolver al Comprador el doble de la cantidad recibida, conforme al artículo 1454 del Código Civil. (Breach of Contract): If the Buyer withdraws from the transaction, they will forfeit the deposit. If the Seller withdraws, they shall be obliged to return to the Buyer double the amount received, pursuant to Article 1454 of the Civil Code.
Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente contrato por duplicado y a un solo efecto en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados. And as proof of conformity, the parties sign this contract in duplicate and for a single purpose at the place and date indicated above.
Fdo. El Vendedor / Signed (Seller): ___________________ Fdo. El Comprador / Signed (Buyer): ___________________
Additional documentation required
To successfully complete the vehicle purchase process after signing the contract in Patojos (Los), you will need to gather and prepare the following official documents:
- Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's current registration certificate.
- Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica (ITV): Must be valid and up to date, including the sheet with the latest inspection stamp.
- Receipt of the latest IVTM (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica): Proof that the local road tax for the current or previous year has been paid to the local municipality.
- Transfer of Ownership Form: The official DGT notification of sale (Contrato de compraventa and DGT application forms signed by both parties) to formally change ownership at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico or through an official gestor.
Expert tips for a smooth transaction
As a traffic and legal consultant in Spain, my top recommendation is never to hand over full payment or hand over the keys until you have verified that the vehicle is completely free of fines, embargoes, or pending taxes. If you want absolute peace of mind during your transaction in Patojos (Los), consider hiring a local gestoría to handle the DGT paperwork—they will ensure the transfer is legally registered and protect you from liability if the new owner commits traffic infractions immediately after driving away.