Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload; Communication Breakdown; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
After receiving a last minute MEL for a deferred FO reading light; we departed without the appropriate DTG (Date Time Group) from Dispatch. The book had been completed and closed correctly.  All procedures of the MEL were complied with and verified. Climbing through 10;000 feet we realized my error.After not flying for approximately 5 weeks my normal rhythm in the cockpit was off.  A high workload environment along with receiving the Maintenance book and the close out at the same time just prior to push caused me to be distracted and miss the step of notifying Dispatch of the new MEL.  I cross referenced the close out revision number with the signed release. They matched. I believe somehow in my mind that because I received the close out that I had signed an updated release.This event is my responsibility and the error rests on my shoulders. The only slight suggestion I could recommend would be to prevent a weight and balance close out from being sent if maintenance is on board. While it remains my responsibility this could help trap this type of error. I verify the close out revision number against the flight plan. They matched. I gave myself a false impression that my paperwork was in order.
Air carrier Captain reported departing without correct paperwork and cited lack of flying as a contributing factor.