Abstract: An encoding/verifying apparatus and method for encoding/verifying RFID containing stock is provided. The encoding/verifying apparatus enables the verification of information already programmed on stock containing a RFID tag and/or encodes specific information to the RFID component of the stock while verifying that the proper stock is programmed with the correct information. Stock can either be on a roll or a fan fold with or without pin feeds. The stock will be read/encoded one at a time and advanced only after each successful read/write. Any stock that contains a failed RFID component will be marked so as to designate it as defective. In addition, methods for uniquely programming RFID containing stock are also provided.