(a) When applying for a new passport, an applicant must submit for cancellation any currently valid passport of the same type.

(b) If an applicant is unable to produce a passport under paragraph (a) of this section, he or she must submit a signed statement in the form prescribed by the Department setting forth the circumstances regarding the disposition of the passport.

(c) The Department may deny or limit a passport if the applicant has failed to provide a sufficient and credible explanation for lost, stolen, altered or mutilated passport(s) previously issued to the applicant, after being given a reasonable opportunity to do so.