Getting passport back while processing renewal?

Hi there

Sorry if this has been answered before, I couldn't find anything in a cursory search...

I need a new passport because my old one is full. Does anyone know if, at the London passport office, I can keep or reclaim my old passport, for the 15 days that the new one is being processed? (and I assume bring in the old one for cancellation on collection) I am a frequent traveller and ideally need to keep it if I can.

Thanks for any advice!

Even if you want to bring the application in person, you can only drop it in a lock-box, so I don't know of any provision of keeping your PP while it is being processed in UK. (US consulates will let you keep it and bring it back to get new one, but thatis because they do not do the processing right there -- thus they do a prelim check of your docs).

The place to ask is of course the london office:

ldn.passport@international.gc.ca

Thanks - I emailed that address and here was my reply (for anyone who might have the same question!):

Hello,

If you are a frequent business traveller and require your passport during the 15 business days processing time then you may retain your current valid passport whilst the application is in process. If you wish to retain the passport you must come to our office in person between 9.30-13.00 Monday to Friday with a completed application form and the current valid passport. You are required to sign a retention agreement and your passport will need to be checked.

Hello Peperminta

i had a bit similar issue with my Passport, i had a 4 month working visa in a passport that was going to expire within one month.. so i had to get a temporary passport abroad in order to come back home and i needed both passports (the expired one with the valid visa and the valid temporary one, to the cross the border)... i was wondering if they would actually have denied me coming home just because my passport in expired?

Heinz