Download Free Car Deposit Agreement (Contrato de Arras) Word/PDF in Santa Maria de Guia

Buying or selling a second-hand vehicle in Spain can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the specific legal requirements. Whether you are a local resident of Santa Maria de Guia or purchasing a car from another part of Gran Canaria, securing the deal correctly is essential. One of the most effective tools to guarantee a vehicle purchase is the "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Deposit Contract). This private agreement legally binds both the buyer and the seller, ensuring that the seller takes the car off the market in exchange for a financial deposit, while giving the buyer peace of mind that the vehicle will not be sold to someone else.

Instructions on how and where to use and sign this document in Santa Maria de Guia

Unlike official tax forms, the *Contrato de Arras* is a private agreement between two individuals or parties. Therefore, you do not need to submit it to the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) of Santa Maria de Guia to make it valid. However, you should follow these practical steps to execute it properly:

• Print two copies: Ensure both the buyer and the seller have an identical, signed original copy.
• Verify identities: Always check the DNI, NIE, or Pasaporte of the other party to ensure they match the vehicle's registration documents (*Permiso de Circulación*).
• Check the vehicle status: Before handing over any deposit money in Santa Maria de Guia, it is highly recommended to request a *Informe Reducido o Completo del Vehículo* from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to confirm there are no outstanding fines, embargoes, or pending ITV inspections.
• Payment method: Transfer the deposit via bank transfer if possible, leaving a clear digital paper trail. If paid in cash, make sure to write a signed receipt within the text of the contract.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT CONTRACT

En Santa Maria de Guia (Gran Canaria), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año]

REUNIDOS / THE PARTIES

De una parte, D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos del Vendedor], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio a efectos de notificación en [Dirección], en adelante el VENDEROR / THE SELLER.

Y de otra parte, D./Dña. [Nombre y Apellidos del Comprador], con DNI/NIE [Número], y domicilio a efectos de notificación en [Dirección], en adelante el COMPRADOR / THE BUYER.

Ambas partes se reconocen la capacidad legal necesaria para otorgar el presente contrato. / Both parties mutually recognize their legal capacity to enter into this agreement.

EXPONEN / RECITALS

I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo cuyas características son: / That the SELLER is the owner of the vehicle with the following details:
Marca/Brand: [Marca] | Modelo/Model: [Modelo] | Matrícula/License Plate: [Matrícula] | Bastidor/VIN: [Número de Bastidor]

II. Que el COMPRADOR está interesado en adquirir el mencionado vehículo, por lo que ambas partes acuerdan celebrar un CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, regido por las siguientes: / That the BUYER is interested in purchasing the aforementioned vehicle, and therefore both parties agree to execute an EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT, governed by the following:

CLAÚSULAS / CLAUSES

PRIMERA (Precio y Señal): El precio total convenido para la compraventa del vehículo es de [Cantidad en números] euros ([Cantidad en letras] EUR). En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de arras la cantidad de [Cantidad de la señal] euros ([Cantidad en letras] EUR), mediante [Efectivo / Transferencia bancaria], sirviendo este documento como el más eficaz recibo de dicho importe. / FIRST (Price and Deposit): The total agreed price is... In this act, the BUYER delivers as a deposit...

SEGUNDA (Plazo): La firma definitiva del contrato de compraventa y el pago del resto del importe pendiente ([Resto del pago] EUR) se realizarán antes del día [Fecha límite] de [Mes] de [Año]. / SECOND (Term): The final signing of the bill of sale and payment of the remaining balance shall take place before...

TERCERA (Incumplimiento / Penalización):
a) Si el COMPRADOR desistiere del contrato, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. / If the BUYER withdraws, they will lose the deposit.
b) Si el VENDEDOR desistiere, estará obligado a devolver al COMPRADOR el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 del Código Civil). / If the SELLER withdraws, they must return double the amount received.

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente documento por duplicado y a un solo efecto en el lugar y fecha arriba indicados. / And as proof of conformity, they sign this document in duplicate.

Fdo. El Vendedor / The Seller: _________________      Fdo. El Comprador / The Buyer: _________________

Additional documentation required

To successfully conclude the car purchase process in Santa Maria de Guia after signing this deposit contract, you will need to gather and prepare several additional documents for the final transaction:

• Permiso de Circulación and Ficha Técnica: The original vehicle registration papers and technical inspection card.
• ITV Card: Proof that the vehicle has a valid *Inspección Técnica de Vehículos*.
• Receipt of IVTM: Proof of payment for the local municipal road tax (*Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica*) from the previous year.
• Copies of IDs: A photocopy of both the buyer's and seller's DNI/NIE.
• Contrato de Compraventa and Modelo 620: The final bill of sale and the regional tax form for transfer of used vehicles (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales), which must be paid to the Canary Islands tax agency (*Gobierno de Canarias*) before heading to the DGT.

Expert tips for a smooth transaction in Gran Canaria

As a traffic and legal expert in Spain, my top recommendation when dealing with vehicle reservations in Santa Maria de Guia is never to hand over money without a written document like the template above. Always specify a realistic deadline in Clause Two—usually between 7 to 15 days is plenty of time to organize the final bank transfer and paperwork. Furthermore, ensure the contract explicitly states that the car is free of hidden charges, liens, or unpaid fines (*cargas y gravámenes*). Doing this protects your investment and ensures a completely transparent transaction under Spanish law.