Yes, my old one was returned in a separate package as well.

I got my old one a day or so before the new one... I'd be surprised if you don't get it back ?

I think they always intend to return your old passport when you renew. They drill a hole through it to make it obvious that it's expired.

Just an update. I finally received my new passport on Thursday the 21st. Grand total it took roughly 10 days after I sent it in....Luckily I won't need to deal with this again for another 10 years LOL.

Howver, I did not receive my old passport back. So, I guess I should expect to get it back in a separate package as mentioned above right??? Because that would really suck to lose all those country stamps I accumulated in almost 10 years of traveling the world.

Ms_62's old passport arrived in the mail 2 days after the new one.

Got my original back in the mail today with 2 holes punched in and my 2nd passport photo stapled to it.

So, what is the point of sending a 2nd passport photo? LOL

Now time to prepare for my trip in March.