How to Secure Your Vehicle Purchase in Torrelaguna: Downloadable Deposit Agreement Template
Buying a used car from a private seller in Spain can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to legal security. A Contrato de Arras (Deposit Agreement) is the most effective way to reserve a vehicle and prevent the seller from selling it to someone else while you arrange the paperwork or financing. By signing this document, both parties commit to the transaction, and the buyer typically pays a small deposit. 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 protect your interests when buying a car in Torrelaguna or the surrounding Sierra Norte region.
Instructions on how and where to use this document in Torrelaguna
This document is a private contract between you and the seller; it does not need to be submitted to the local Torrelaguna Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) at the time of signing. Instead, follow these steps:
- Drafting: Fill in the bilingual template below with the seller's and buyer's NIE/DNI details.
- Verification: Ensure the vehicle's license plate (matrícula) and VIN (bastidor) match the Permiso de Circulación held by the seller.
- Signing: Print two copies. Both parties must sign every page. Keep one original for yourself.
- Payment: Do not hand over cash without a receipt or a bank transfer proof that clearly states "Reserva de vehículo - [License Plate]" in the concept field.
CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY AGREEMENT
REUNIDOS / PARTIES
Vendedor (Seller): [Name], con DNI/NIE [Number] y domicilio en [Address].
Comprador (Buyer): [Name], con DNI/NIE [Number] y domicilio en [Address].
OBJETO / OBJECT
El Vendedor se compromete a vender al Comprador el vehículo marca [Brand], modelo [Model], con matrícula [License Plate] y número de bastidor [VIN].
The Seller agrees to sell to the Buyer the vehicle [Brand], model [Model], license plate [License Plate] and VIN [VIN].
PRECIO Y ARRAS / PRICE AND DEPOSIT
El precio total de venta es de [Amount] euros. El Comprador entrega en este acto la cantidad de [Deposit Amount] euros en concepto de arras.
The total sale price is [Amount] euros. The Buyer delivers [Deposit Amount] euros as a deposit.
CONDICIONES / CONDITIONS
Si el Comprador desiste, perderá las arras. Si el Vendedor desiste, deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida (Art. 1454 Código Civil).
If the Buyer withdraws, they forfeit the deposit. If the Seller withdraws, they must return double the amount received (Art. 1454 Civil Code).
Firmado en Torrelaguna, a [Date]. / Signed in Torrelaguna, on [Date].
Firma Vendedor / Seller Signature: ____________________
Firma Comprador / Buyer Signature: ____________________
Additional documentation required
Once you have signed the Contrato de Arras, ensure you prepare the following documents to finalize the transfer of ownership (Transferencia) at the DGT:
- Permiso de Circulación: The original document from the vehicle.
- ITV Card: The "Ficha Técnica" showing the vehicle has passed its technical inspection.
- Proof of Tax Payment: Receipt showing the "Impuesto de Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica" (IVTM) for the previous year has been paid to the Torrelaguna Town Hall.
- Contract of Sale (Contrato de Compraventa): A formal sale contract signed by both parties at the time of the final payment.
- DNI/NIE Copies: Photocopies of both the buyer's and seller's identification.
Expert Tip: Always check the "Informe de Vehículo" from the DGT website before paying the deposit. This small fee (approx. 8€) will tell you if the car has any outstanding fines, liens, or embargoes that could prevent you from registering the vehicle in your name. Never finalize a purchase if the car has "cargas" (encumbrances) registered against it.