We sent in our renewal applications two weeks ago yesterday -- regular, not expedited. Today the new passports came in the mail. Wow. I thought that was very quick --11 business days including mailing both ways.

But did I miss the information that they no longer return your old one? Sorry I won't have it to add to my collection.

Your old passport is returned separately.

OH? Thanks. I had no idea. For what reason, I wonder -- just in case one or the other gets lost in the mail?

I have no idea. Maybe because each goes through a different process (creating the new and cancelling the old)??

When I renewed my passport back in March, I received the new one in under a week! I almost fell over because I didn't request expediting. The day after, I received my cancelled passport.

When I renewed recently, mine were returned together, not separately.

When all else fails. . .read.

I just found the little card sent with the passport that says, "You may receive your newly issued book and your returned citizenship evidence in two separate mailings."

I guess "may" is the operative word.