Is it illegal to throw out someone else's passport or birth certificate?

Question

I ran across my ex's passport and birth certificate while looking for something else. I know an address to where I can send it, but I'd rather just not have anything whatsoever to do with him or have any contact with him.

Answer 1

Yes, tossing those documents out could be illegal. Destruction of personal property and any number of slaps from potential ID theft. Just suck it up and put it in an insured mail envelope. Yes, it wil cost you about $5, but you'll sleep better knowing that you are good and decent person. Even if he is a creep, just do the right thing. You can be thankful that he doesn't come looking for them (avoid awkward face to face encounter) because you were lovely and kind and mailed them to him with no return address!

Good Luck!

Answer 2

It is not illegal, both can be replaced, but the replacement process can be a bit time consuming.  Do you have any common friends - you could be nice and give to the friend to give to him, but I can also understand why you would not want to do that also!