Can a 17 year old submit passport as proof of citizenship?

by David
(Omaha, NE, USA)

Question: Government website and local passport office do not seem to agree on what is needed. As I understand the website information.

- as a "Minor Ages 16 & 17" she must appear in person and have a parent present photo ID if minor does not have identification (She has a Driver's License and a passport)
- Have a photocopy of same ID used above
- establish parental consent
Follow direction of "First time apply in person" which includes:

Step 1 Complete and submit Form DS-11 - I understand this
Step 2 Submit Evidence of US citizenship - one of the following
-previously issued undamaged passport - she has this but was told it will not suffice
-certified birth certificate -
- etc etc
Step 3 Present ID
Step 4 photo copy of ID used in step 3

If she has already received a passport why does it not suffice as evidence of citizenship in step 2 local office will not accept.

Answer:

Due to new regulations and security features that went into affect in 2007, passports issued to minors (age 15 or younger) before that time are not acceptable as evidence of U.S. citizenship when applying for a 10-year passport (age 16 and older). Unfortunately, this detail is not state on the Department of State website.

Therefore, any applicant age 16 or older whose previous passport was issued before 2007 cannot submit that passport as evidence of U.S. citizenship. He or she must submit either a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.