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.

The old one will be mailed under separate cover, about 2 weeks later.

At least that's what they did with mine 6 months ago.

Yes. I did read the enclosed folder since posting (when all else fails . . .read ). It says that it "may" be returned separately.

I just did a legal name change on my passport, and it also took about 2 weeks (non-expedited). I was shocked at how fast it was! I received my name change documentation and my old passport under separate cover about 2 days after my new passport arrived.

I got both in the same envelope a year ago. Patrick, get ready for a shock!

They've returned the old passport with the new photo clipped on the same page with the old one. What a difference in only 10 years!

I'm scarred for the rest of my life

I'm glad to hear that, beanweb. I've been dragging my feet on doing a name change. Now I just have to concentrate on getting a better picture this time!