How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in San Rafael: Download Our Official Car Deposit Contract (Arras)

Buying a used vehicle in Spain can be a daunting process, especially when you want to ensure the seller doesn't sell the car to someone else while you arrange the paperwork. In Spain, the "Contrato de Arras" (Deposit Contract) is the standard legal mechanism to formalize a reservation. It creates a binding commitment: if the buyer backs out, they lose the deposit; if the seller backs out, they must return double the deposit amount. This template is designed to provide you with the legal security you need when purchasing a car in San Rafael.

How and where to use this document in San Rafael

This contract is a private document between you and the seller. You do not need to submit it to any government office (like the DGT) at the moment of signing. However, follow these steps to ensure its validity:

• Meeting: Arrange to meet the seller in a neutral, safe location in San Rafael.
• Identification: Both parties must present their DNI, NIE, or Passport to verify identity.
• Signing: Print two copies of the document below. Both the buyer and the seller must sign every page of both copies.
• Exchange: Each party keeps one signed copy. The deposit payment should be made via bank transfer or traceable method to serve as additional proof of the transaction.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES (BILINGUAL DEPOSIT 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: ___________

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES:
1. El COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de arras la cantidad de ________ Euros (€). / The BUYER delivers as a deposit the amount of ________ Euros (€).
2. El precio total de venta es de ________ Euros (€). / The total sale price is ________ Euros (€).
3. La firma de la escritura pública o contrato de compraventa final se realizará antes del día ____ de ________ de 20__. / The final contract will be signed before the day ____ of ________ 20__.
4. Si el COMPRADOR desiste, perderá las arras entregadas. Si el VENDEDOR desiste, deberá devolver el doble de las arras recibidas (Art. 1454 Código Civil). / If the BUYER withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the deposit (Art. 1454 Spanish Civil Code).

Firmado en San Rafael, a ____ de ____________ de 20__.

Firma VENDEDOR / SIGNATURE SELLER: __________________
Firma COMPRADOR / SIGNATURE BUYER: __________________

Additional documentation required

While the "Contrato de Arras" secures the deal, you will eventually need the following to finalize the transfer of ownership (Transferencia) at the DGT:

• Permiso de Circulación: The vehicle's current registration document.
• Ficha Técnica: The technical inspection card (ITV) showing the car is roadworthy.
• Proof of Payment: Receipt of the ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) paid to the local tax authority.
• DNI/NIE: Photocopies of both the seller's and buyer's identification.

Expert Tip: Always perform a "Informe de Vehículo" through the DGT website before signing any deposit contract. This report costs a small fee and will reveal if the car has any "cargas" (liens, unpaid fines, or embargoes) that could prevent you from registering the vehicle in your name. Never pay the full amount until the transfer is officially confirmed in the DGT system.