How to Apply for a Temporary Permit for Lost or Stolen License

If you have lost your driver's license or it has been stolen, you can request a duplicate and obtain a temporary permit to continue driving immediately. The process, managed by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), requires paying a fee of €20.81 (Fee 4.4) and submitting the application online or by phone, receiving a provisional permit valid for six months until the physical duplicate arrives by mail. This article presents a 5-step framework to complete the procedure smoothly.

Introduction to the Framework

Losing your driver's license or having it stolen causes stress, but the procedure to obtain a temporary permit is simpler than it seems. The DGT has digitized much of the process so that you can get a provisional document in minutes from your computer. This framework organizes the necessary actions into five sequential stages: preparation, payment, application, download of the temporary permit, and receipt of the duplicate. Each step is designed to minimize errors and streamline the process, based on official DGT requirements and driver experiences.

Why This Framework Works

The framework is based on the official DGT structure and available processing channels (online and phone). By dividing the process into discrete steps, you reduce the chance of forgetting a key requirement, such as paying the fee beforehand or needing to install the AutoFirma program. It also includes practical recommendations (like using Google Chrome) and alternatives (phone 060) for those with technical difficulties. Drivers who follow these steps report a smooth experience and avoid delays.

The 5 Steps of the Framework

Step 1: Gather Your Data and Prepare Your Equipment

Before starting the process, make sure you have your date of birth and a valid digital certificate installed on your browser. If you choose the online route, you will need the AutoFirma program, which you can download for free from the DGT electronic office. The DGT recommends using Google Chrome and checking your computer settings to avoid issues during the electronic signature. If you don't have a digital certificate, you can complete the process by phone at 060, but note that the call is not free.

Pre-check checklist:

Digital certificate (or access to phone 060)
AutoFirma program installed (for online route)
Updated Google Chrome browser
Date of birth
Bank card for fee payment

Step 2: Pay Fee 4.4 (€20.81)

Payment of the fee is mandatory for loss or theft, but not for changes in personal data (such as name due to gender or co-official language reasons). Fee 4.4 costs €20.81 and must be paid before starting the online or phone application. You can pay it through the "Telematic fee payment" service on the DGT electronic office. Once payment is made, you will receive a code that you must enter during the application. Important: Keep the payment receipt in case any issues arise.

Step 3: Apply for the Duplicate (Online or by Phone)

Online (recommended):

Access the "Duplicate application" on the DGT electronic office (icon "Online - With certificate").
Enter your date of birth.
Select the reason: deterioration, loss, or theft.
Choose the language of the temporary permit.
Enter the code for the previously paid fee.
Sign electronically with your digital certificate and AutoFirma.

By phone:

Call 060 (not toll-free).
The operator will ask verification questions to confirm your identity.
Indicate that you wish to apply for a duplicate due to loss/theft (you must have paid the fee beforehand).
Provide an email address where you will receive the provisional permit.

Step 4: Download and Print Your Temporary Permit

Upon completing the online application, a button labeled "Temporary Authorization" will appear. Click it to save or print your provisional permit. This document is valid for six months and allows you to drive legally in Spain while waiting for the physical duplicate. Save it on your phone or print a copy to keep in your car. If you completed the process by phone, the DGT will send you the provisional permit by email.

Step 5: Receive the Duplicate at Your Address

In approximately one and a half months, you will receive the duplicate of your driver's license by postal mail at your home. You do not need to complete any other procedures or pay additional fees. The duplicate retains the same validity date as the original license. If you haven't received anything after that time, contact the DGT via 060 or their electronic office.

How to Apply the Framework

To apply this framework, simply follow the steps in order. Start with preparation (Step 1) to avoid interruptions during the process. If you have a digital certificate, choose the online route for its speed and convenience. If not, the phone 060 is a functional alternative, although the call has a cost. Once Step 4 is completed, you can drive with the temporary permit. Step 5 is passive: you just wait for the duplicate to arrive. Remember that the temporary permit expires after six months, but the physical duplicate usually arrives sooner.

Example: María lost her driver's license. Following these steps:

She installed AutoFirma and a digital certificate.
She paid the €20.81 fee online.
She applied for the duplicate on the DGT website in 10 minutes.
She downloaded and printed her temporary permit.
She received the duplicate at home in 6 weeks.

María was able to continue driving without interruption thanks to the provisional permit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not paying the fee before applying: If you try to apply for the duplicate without having paid Fee 4.4, the system will reject the process. Pay first and note the code.
Using an incompatible browser: The DGT recommends Google Chrome. Other browsers may cause issues with AutoFirma.
Forgetting to download AutoFirma: Without this program, you cannot complete the electronic signature. Download it before starting.
Not checking your computer settings: If you have problems, review your computer settings according to DGT instructions.
Losing the temporary permit: Keep a digital copy and a printed one. Without it, you cannot drive legally while waiting for the duplicate.
Confusing the timelines: The temporary permit lasts 6 months; the duplicate arrives in ~1.5 months. If you don’t receive anything in 2 months, contact the DGT.

Templates and Tools

Printable checklist:

Useful tools:

DGT electronic office: https://sede.dgt.gob.es
Telematic fee payment: available on the same site
Phone 060: for inquiries and phone application

Conclusion

Applying for a temporary driving permit after loss or theft is a smooth process if you follow the right steps. The presented framework—preparation, payment, application, download of the temporary permit, and receipt of the duplicate—allows you to resume driving the same day. Remember that the provisional permit is legally valid for six months and the duplicate will take about a month and a half to arrive. To get your license for the first time or learn about general requirements, check our complete guide on Requirements and Administrative Procedures. If you need to prepare for exams, we recommend the Driving Theory Test. With these resources and the framework, managing the loss or theft of your license will be a minor setback.