A radio frequency signature (88) on a cut sheet of print media (28) is detected by a radio frequency interrogating device (94) to determine whether the print media (28) is properly oriented. The leading edge (124) or trailing edge (126) of the print media (28) is detected by one or more print media sensors (86, 90). A print controller (24) can note the time (t.sub.1) and cause the radio frequency interrogating device (94) to detect the radio frequency signature (88) at a time (t.sub.2) when the print media has reached a predetermined point along the print media pathway (110). The position of the radio frequency signature (88) on the print media (28) can be calculated using the time differential (t.sub.2-t.sub.1), the velocity profile of the print media and the known separation between the print media (28) and the radio frequency signature (88). By comparing the computer position with the expected position, the orientation of the print media (28) can be determined.