How to Download the Car Deposit Contract Template in Valleseco (Word/PDF)

Buying or selling a second-hand vehicle in Spain can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of bureaucratic and legal uncertainties. Whether you are finalizing a deal in the mountains of Valleseco or anywhere else on Gran Canaria, securing the transaction is paramount. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to legally secure a vehicle purchase using a "Contrato de Arras" (Earnest Money Deposit Contract) and includes a ready-to-use, bilingual template designed specifically for private vehicle transactions in Spain.

Instructions on how and where to submit it in Valleseco

Unlike official tax forms or traffic fine appeals, a "Contrato de Arras" is a private contract between a buyer and a seller. Therefore, you do not need to submit this document to any government office in Valleseco, such as the local town hall (Ayuntamiento de Valleseco) or the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), at the moment of signing. Instead, both parties sign the document privately to legally bind the agreement. Here is how to handle it correctly:

• Drafting and Signing: Both the buyer and seller must fill out the bilingual contract below, ensuring all vehicle details, monetary amounts, and deadlines are clearly stated. Both parties should sign two identical copies (one for each).
• Payment of the Deposit: The buyer transfers or hands over the agreed deposit amount to the seller simultaneously with the signing of the contract.
• Final Steps in Valleseco: Once the final purchase takes place and the rest of the payment is settled, you will need to complete the official paperwork. While Valleseco does not have a direct DGT office, transfers can be managed online via the DGT electronic headquarters (sede electrónica), through authorized gestorías in Gran Canaria, or by scheduling an appointment at the main DGT provincial headquarters in Las Palmas.

CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES / EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT

En Valleseco (Gran Canaria), a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año]

REUNIDOS

De una parte, D./Dña. _________________________, mayor de edad, con DNI _______________ y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en _________________________, en adelante el VENDEDOR.

De otra parte, D./Dña. _________________________, mayor de edad, con DNI _______________ y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en _________________________, en adelante el COMPRADOR.

(English: PARTIES: On one part, the SELLER, and on the other part, the BUYER, with their respective personal details stated above.)

EXPONEN / DECLARE

I. Que el VENDEDOR es propietario del vehículo marca _______________, modelo _______________, matrícula _______________, y número de bastidor (VIN) _________________________, libre de cargas y al corriente de impuestos.

(That the SELLER owns the aforementioned vehicle, free of liens and up to date with taxes.)

II. Que estando el COMPRADOR interesado en la adquisición del citado vehículo, ambas partes han acordado celebrar un CONTRATO DE ARRAS PENITENCIALES, el cual se regirá por las siguientes:

(That the BUYER is interested in purchasing the vehicle, and both parties agree to execute this Earnest Money Contract governed by the following:)

CLÁUSULAS / CLAUSES

PRIMERA: El VENDEDOR se compromete a vender el vehículo descrito al COMPRADOR por el precio total y convenido de _______________ euros (€).
(FIRST: The SELLER agrees to sell the vehicle to the BUYER for the total agreed price of _______________ euros.)

SEGUNDA: En este acto, el COMPRADOR entrega en concepto de señal o arras la cantidad de _______________ euros (€), mediante [efectivo/transferencia bancaria], sirviendo este documento como eficaz recibo de dicho importe.
(SECOND: In this act, the BUYER delivers the amount of _______________ euros as a deposit, this document serving as an effective receipt.)

TERCERA: El resto del precio total de la compraventa, es decir, la cantidad de _______________ euros (€), será abonado por el COMPRADOR en el momento de la firma del contrato definitivo de compraventa y la entrega material del vehículo, la cual tendrá lugar a más tardar el día _____ de _______________ de 20___.
(THIRD: The remaining balance will be paid upon the signing of the final purchase contract and vehicle delivery, no later than the specified date.)

CUARTA: Si el COMPRADOR desistiere del contrato, perderá la cantidad entregada en concepto de arras. Si el desistimiento partiere del VENDEDOR, este deberá devolver el doble de la cantidad recibida, de conformidad con el artículo 1454 del Código Civil español.
(FOURTH: If the BUYER backs out, they lose the deposit. If the SELLER backs out, they must return double the amount, according to Article 1454 of the Spanish Civil Code.)

Y en prueba de conformidad, firman las partes por duplicado y a un solo efecto en el lugar y fecha al principio indicados.
(In witness whereof, the parties sign in duplicate at the place and date indicated above.)

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

Additional documentation required

To ensure a successful and legally secure vehicle purchase in Valleseco and across Spain, the contract is only the first step. When the time comes to execute the final sale and transfer ownership at the DGT, you will need to gather and present the following additional documents:

Permiso de Circulación (Vehicle Registration Certificate): Must be original and up to date.

Tarjeta de Inspección Técnica (ITV Card): Including the latest technical inspection report proving the vehicle is roadworthy.

Proof of IVTM Payment: Receipt showing that the local road tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) for the corresponding municipality of the previous year has been paid.

DNI / NIE / Passport: Valid identification documents of both the buyer and the seller.

Contrato de Compraventa Definitivo: The final bill of sale signed by both parties.

Closing paragraph with expert tips

As an expert recommendation when buying a vehicle in Valleseco, always verify the mechanical condition of the car with an independent mechanic before handing over any money, and perform a vehicle report ("Informe de Vehículo") from the DGT to check for hidden fines, liens, or mileage tampering. Using the bilingual earnest money contract provided above ensures that both Spanish and foreign nationals clearly understand their obligations, protecting your investment from the very start of the negotiation.