I'm filling out the renewal form for my passport. The instructions for the form say to include 2 photos (don't specify how they should be included or attached), but the directions here ('Helpful Hints') http://travel.state.gov/pdf/Helpful-Hints-DS-82-v4.pdf
indicate that you staple *1* photo to the application.

So, what do I do with the other one, include it loose in the envelope? staple it too, regardless of the Helpful Hint?

Put the other one in the envelope.

No, do not staple the second photo. The one you staple to the application stays with the application. The second (loose) photo is the one actually used in your passport.

Either paper clip it to the application or place it loose inside the folded application when you mail it.

I used a paper clip.

I hate stupid instructions. Why couldn't the State Department say that?

Thanks for all your help!

We were told to put in inside our old passport. They actually returned it to us with our new passport.