Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in La Pobla Tornesa: Downloadable Deposit Contract Template
Buying a car from a private seller in Spain can be a daunting process. To ensure the seller doesn't sell the vehicle to someone else while you arrange financing or inspection, you need a Contrato de Arras. This is a legally binding "earnest money" agreement that reserves the car for you in exchange for a deposit. If the seller backs out, they are typically required to return double the deposit amount; if you back out, you lose the deposit. This guide provides a bilingual template tailored for residents in and around La Pobla Tornesa.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in La Pobla Tornesa (La)
Because this is a private transaction between two individuals, you do not need to submit this document to the La Pobla Tornesa Town Hall or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) immediately. Instead, follow these steps:
- Print two copies of the template below (one for the buyer, one for the seller).
- Fill in the details clearly in blue or black ink.
- Both parties must sign every page of the document.
- Ensure you have the seller's DNI (or NIE) photocopy attached to the contract.
- Keep this document safe; it is your primary legal protection until the final transfer of ownership (Cambio de Titularidad) is completed at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES:
D./Dña. _____________________________________, con DNI/NIE ____________, en adelante EL VENDEDOR (THE SELLER).
D./Dña. _____________________________________, con DNI/NIE ____________, en adelante EL COMPRADOR (THE BUYER).
OBJETO / OBJECT:
La compraventa del vehículo / The sale of the vehicle: Marca/Make: __________, Modelo/Model: __________, Matrícula/Plate: __________, Bastidor/VIN: ____________________.
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT:
El precio total acordado es de __________ € (en letra: ____________________ euros). El comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de __________ € en concepto de ARRAS (DEPOSIT), que se descontarán del precio final. / The total agreed price is __________ €. The buyer delivers the amount of __________ € as a deposit, which will be deducted from the final price.
PLAZO / DEADLINE:
La firma del contrato definitivo y pago del resto se realizará antes del día ____ de __________ de 2024. / The final contract and payment of the balance will be completed before the date of ____/____/2024.
LEGISLACIÓN / LEGISLATION:
Ambas partes se someten a lo dispuesto en el Código Civil español (Art. 1454). / Both parties submit to the Spanish Civil Code (Art. 1454).
Firmado en La Pobla Tornesa, a ____ de __________ de 2024. / Signed in La Pobla Tornesa, on this date.
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
Beyond the deposit contract, to complete the full legal transfer of the vehicle in the province of Castellón, you will eventually need to prepare:
- The original "Permiso de Circulación" (Vehicle Registration Certificate).
- A copy of the "Ficha Técnica" (Technical Inspection Card).
- Proof of payment of the "Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales" (Model 620), which is a tax payable to the Generalitat Valenciana.
- A valid DNI or NIE of both parties.
- Proof that the vehicle is free of "cargas" (liens or debts)—you can request a "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT website.
Expert Tip: Never hand over the full cash amount until you have verified the "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT. This report will tell you if the car has any pending fines, embargoes, or if it is stolen. In La Pobla Tornesa, you are close to the Castellón provincial traffic office, but most of these administrative procedures can now be handled online via the DGT "sede electrónica" using a digital certificate or Cl@ve system. Always prioritize transparency with the seller; if they refuse to show you the vehicle's history, walk away.