Free Contrato de Arras Template for Car Purchases in Sotrondio (Word & PDF Format)

When you find the perfect second-hand car in Sotrondio or anywhere in the Nalón Valley, you want to secure it before another buyer steps in. This is where a Contrato de Arras para la Reserva de un Coche (an Earnest Money or Deposit Agreement) becomes essential. This legally binding private contract ensures that the seller reserves the vehicle for you for a specified timeframe, while you arrange the final payment, insurance, or transfer paperwork. If either party backs out, the contract establishes clear financial penalties, protecting your investment under Spanish law.

How and Where to Use This Contract in Sotrondio

Since the Contrato de Arras is a private legal agreement, you do not need to register it with any government office immediately. Both the buyer and the seller simply need to sign two identical copies (one for each party). However, it serves as the legal foundation for the subsequent vehicle transfer.

Once the deposit is paid and you are ready to finalize the purchase in Sotrondio, you must complete the official vehicle transfer (cambio de titularidad) with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT). Here is how you can do it locally:

• Via a Local Gestoría: The easiest and most common route for residents of Sotrondio (San Martín del Rey Aurelio) is to visit a local Gestoría Administrativa in Sotrondio, El Entrego, or nearby Sama de Langreo. They will handle all the paperwork, tax payments, and DGT submissions for a small fee.
• Online via the DGT Portal: If you have a Spanish digital certificate (Certificado Digital) or Cl@ve system, you can submit the transfer online through the DGT’s virtual headquarters (Sede Electrónica).
• In Person at the DGT: You can book an appointment (cita previa) and travel to the nearest Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico, located in Gijón or Oviedo.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS Y RESERVA DE VEHÍCULO / DEPOSIT AND VEHICLE RESERVATION AGREEMENT

REUNIDOS / BY AND BETWEEN:

EL VENDEDOR / THE SELLER:
Don/Doña: __________________________________________
Con DNI/NIE/Pasaporte nº: ___________________________
Y domicilio en: ______________________________________
Ciudad y Código Postal: _______________________________

EL COMPRADOR / THE BUYER:
Don/Doña: __________________________________________
Con DNI/NIE/Pasaporte nº: ___________________________
Y domicilio en: ______________________________________
Ciudad y Código Postal: _______________________________

Ambas partes se reconocen mutuamente la capacidad legal suficiente para otorgar el presente contrato y, a tal efecto, / Both parties mutually recognize their legal capacity to enter into this agreement and, to this end,

DECLARAN / STATE:

Que el Vendedor es propietario del siguiente vehículo usado / That the Seller is the owner of the following used vehicle:

• Marca / Make: ______________________
• Modelo / Model: ______________________
• Matrícula / License Plate: ______________________
• Número de Bastidor (VIN): ______________________
• Kilometraje actual / Current Mileage: ____________ km

Ambas partes acuerdan la reserva de compraventa del vehículo mencionado bajo las siguientes: / Both parties agree to reserve the sale of the aforementioned vehicle under the following:

ESTIPULACIONES / CLAUSES:

PRIMERA: OBJETO Y PRECIO / FIRST: PURPOSE AND PRICE
El Vendedor se compromete a vender y el Comprador se compromete a comprar el vehículo descrito por un precio total de _______________ euros (€).
The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to buy the described vehicle for a total price of _______________ euros (€).

SEGUNDA: ARRAS Y SEÑAL / SECOND: DEPOSIT AND EARNEST MONEY
En este acto, el Comprador entrega al Vendedor la cantidad de _______________ euros (€) en concepto de arras penitenciales, de conformidad con el artículo 1454 del Código Civil español. El Vendedor recibe dicha cantidad y otorga carta de pago por ella.
In this act, the Buyer delivers to the Seller the amount of _______________ euros (€) as a deposit (earnest money), in accordance with Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code. The Seller acknowledges receipt of this amount.

TERCERA: PLAZO / THIRD: DEADLINE
Ambas partes se obligan a formalizar el contrato definitivo de compraventa y realizar el pago del importe restante (_______________ €) antes del día _____ de ___________________ de 20__.
Both parties agree to formalize the final sales contract and pay the remaining balance (_______________ €) before the _____ day of ___________________, 20__.

CUARTA: PENALIZACIONES (Art. 1454 Código Civil) / FOURTH: PENALTIES
Si el Comprador desistiera del contrato o no realizara el pago restante en el plazo acordado, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si fuera el Vendedor quien desistiera de la venta o incumpliera el plazo, deberá devolver al Comprador el doble de la cantidad recibida como arras.
If the Buyer withdraws from this contract or fails to pay the remaining balance within the agreed period, they will forfeit the deposit. If the Seller withdraws from the sale or fails to meet the deadline, they must return double the received deposit amount to the Buyer.

QUINTA: CARGAS Y ESTADO DEL VEHÍCULO / FIFTH: LIENS AND VEHICLE CONDITION
El Vendedor manifiesta que el vehículo se encuentra libre de cargas, gravámenes, multas o impuestos pendientes de pago a la fecha de este contrato.
The Seller declares that the vehicle is free of any liens, encumbrances, fines, or outstanding taxes at the date of this contract.

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman el presente documento por duplicado y a un solo efecto en Sotrondio, a _____ de ___________________ de 20__.
And in witness whereof, both parties sign this document in duplicate at Sotrondio, on the _____ day of ___________________, 20__.

__________________________________
Firma del Vendedor / Seller's Signature

__________________________________
Firma del Comprador / Buyer's Signature

Additional Documentation Required

To ensure the transaction is 100% secure and to avoid future headaches with the DGT, you must gather the following documents alongside this signed contract:

• Identification: Clear photocopies of the DNI, NIE, or Passport of both the buyer and the seller.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (Permiso de Circulación): The original document belonging to the car.
• ITV Card (Ficha Técnica): Proof that the vehicle has a valid roadworthiness inspection (ITV).
• Proof of Paid Municipal Road Tax (Impuesto de Circulación / IVTM): Ensure the seller has paid the local road tax in San Martín del Rey Aurelio (or their respective municipality) for the current year.
• DGT Vehicle Report (Informe de Tráfico): Highly recommended! Before signing the contract or handing over any money, request a vehicle report from the DGT to verify that the car has no outstanding embargoes, unpaid fines, or leasing debts (reserva de dominio).

Expert Tips for Buying a Car in Sotrondio

As traffic and legal consultants in Asturias, we always advise buyers to never hand over a deposit without verifying the vehicle's legal status first. In Spain, debts travel with the vehicle, not the owner. Spending a few euros on an official DGT Informe Completo can save you thousands. Additionally, make sure that the deposit amount agreed upon in this contract is realistic—typically between 5% and 10% of the total vehicle value. Once signed, keep your copy safe; it is your ultimate legal shield under Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code if the transaction falls through.