Usually they send out the documents using "signed for". That means the letter is not traced along the way, but the delivery is recorded. So you should be able to find out whether it has been delivered.

It is entirely possible that the Home Office uses second class mail, so it could just take a bit longer.

 

When they returned my passport it was through a company called SMS. They leave a card if you weren't home. You should get a reference or tracking number and find out where your passport is.

 

Just wanted to let others know re asking for your passport back during an application - IT TAKES 10 WORKING DAYS.
Just called them as I need mine back urgently and was told - 10 working days to get it back, even if it is urgent........
I have sent off an urgent fax as well, but they say nothing they can do - those are the processing times. So just a warning to others who may needs theirs back.......

 

Thanks. I just don't understand why an "urgent" request means it takes at least 10 working days. My understanding of the word urgent is a bit different (and I'm a native English speaker).
I think the home Office should amend what is written on the application form as it's very misleading. It says there - if you require your passport urgently, call......... This leads people like me to believe that you can actually get it back urgently if you need it. They should amend their form and put in an addendum advising applicants that it takes at least 10 working days for the return of a passport.
btw re my urgent request - no response as yet; called again today and of course nobody can help me, impossible to speak to anyone, 10 working days etc etc...... Have sent another fax but......
It's very upsetting - urgent actually means that people need to travel urgently, not in 10 days' time....
(Sorry for the vent).....