Can we send a registration certificate instead of sponsor's passport for EEA(FM) application?

[whowouldnotice]

My partner (EEA) and I (Non-EEA) intend to apply for a UK residence card for myself but my partner already has a registration certificate (QP). My partner intends to travel soon and will need to use his passport and does not have a national identity card. Does the registration certificate (QP) count as a proof of identity for the EEA person? In the case of submitting a paper application for a residence Card EEA(FM), could we use a european passport service to send it? Would we send the whole application through that service?

[obormot]

I believe that:
- you/him cannot apply online and use EU passports return service if you apply alone as a family member; you have to apply y papre form
- you need to send your sponsor's pssport (and thewn ou can request it back without stopping them dealing with our application - but it might take several weeks to get the passport back)

A (probbly stupid, and not sure it would work) alternative:
Can he claim that he lost registration certificate, and re-apply in the same application with you as a dependant? (just £65 more..)
In that case you can use EU passports return service for both your passports