 When I got my pass card, which is not a passport, I did have to submit originals. I will tell you that that concern crossed my mind. But I did get my original documentation back, even though it was done through the mail and through an office. I don't remember where I mailed it to, but I went to the post office. I thought I could do the whole application at the post office, but I couldn't. The post office took my mugshot.