Download Car Purchase Deposit Contract (Contrato de Arras) Template in Riego De La Vega (Word/PDF)
If you are buying or selling a second-hand car in Riego De La Vega, securing the transaction is crucial to avoid last-minute misunderstandings. A Contrato de Arras (Earnest Money Contract) is a private agreement where the buyer pays a small upfront deposit to reserve the vehicle, committing both parties to finalize the purchase under agreed-upon conditions. This practical guide explains how to use this contract locally in Riego De La Vega and provides a ready-to-use bilingual template.
Instructions on how and where to use and sign this document in Riego De La Vega
Unlike official tax forms, a Contrato de Arras is a private contract between individuals or a professional dealership and a buyer. You do not need to submit this document to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Riego De La Vega or the DGT (Tráfico) at the time of signing. Instead, follow these steps:
- Drafting and Signing: 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.
- Payment of the Deposit: The buyer transfers or hands over the agreed deposit amount (arras). It is highly recommended to use traceable payment methods (bank transfer) rather than large sums of cash.
- Next Steps in Riego De La Vega: Once the final payment is made and the car is handed over, you must process the ownership transfer (cambio de titularidad) through the DGT or via a local Gestoría in the province of León.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
En Riego De La Vega (León), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año]
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre Vendedor], con DNI [Número DNI], y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante el VENDERDOR / THE SELLER.
Y de otra parte, D./Dña. [Nombre Comprador], con DNI [Número DNI], y domicilio en [Dirección], en adelante el COMPRADOR / THE BUYER.
Ambas partes se reconocen la capacidad legal necesaria para otorgar el presente documento, y / Both parties mutually recognize their legal capacity to sign this document, and
EXPONEN / DECLARE
I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo / That the SELLER is the owner of the vehicle:
Marca / Brand: [Marca] | Modelo / Model: [Modelo] | Matrícula / License Plate: [Matrícula] | Bastidor / VIN: [Número de Bastidor]
II. Que el COMPRADOR está interesado en la adquisición del citado vehículo y, para ello, acuerdan la celebración de un contrato de arras penitenciales... / That the BUYER is interested in purchasing the vehicle and agrees to an earnest money contract...
ESTIPULAN / STIPULATE
PRIMERA (Precio y Señal) / FIRST (Price and Deposit): El precio total de la compraventa se fija en [Precio Total] €. En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de señal la cantidad de [Cantidad Arras] €, mediante [Método de pago], sirviendo este documento como eficaz recibo de dicho importe. / The total purchase price is set at [Total Price] €. At this moment, the BUYER delivers a deposit of [Deposit Amount] €, serving this document as an effective receipt.
SEGUNDA (Plazo) / SECOND (Deadline): La firma definitiva del contrato de compraventa y el pago del resto ([Precio Restante] €) se realizarán antes del día [Fecha Límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. / The final purchase contract and payment of the remainder will take place before [Deadline Date].
TERCERA (Incumplimiento) / THIRD (Breach of Contract): Si el COMPRADOR incumpliera, perderá la cantidad entregada. Si el VENDEDOR incumpliera, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 Código Civil). / If the BUYER withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount.
Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente documento por duplicado. / Signed in duplicate for conformity.
Fdo. El Vendedor / Signed Seller: ___________________ Fdo. El Comprador / Signed Buyer: ___________________
Additional documentation required
While the Contrato de Arras is the first milestone, completing the vehicle purchase in Spain requires additional paperwork. Ensure you have the following ready before finalizing the deal:
- Photocopy of the DNI, NIE, or Passport of both the buyer and the seller.
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (Permiso de Circulación).
- Technical Inspection Card (Tarjeta de ITV) with a valid inspection (ITV pasada).
- Proof of payment of the local car tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica - IVTM) corresponding to the previous year.
- Signed application form for the transfer of ownership (Solicitud de Transmisión de Vehículos) provided by the DGT.
Closing paragraph with expert tips
Using a structured Contrato de Arras provides legal certainty and peace of mind when buying a vehicle in Riego De La Vega. As an expert tip, always include the vehicle's exact mileage and a clause stating the car is free of hidden charges, embargoes, or outstanding fines (cargas y multas) at the DGT. If you feel unsure about the vehicle's mechanical or administrative status, taking it to a local mechanic or hiring a professional Gestoría in the León region to verify the vehicle's report (Informe de la DGT) before handing over the deposit is always a smart investment.