Presented is a system and method for reading a microwave readable barcode formed from a pattern of dielectric material. The dielectric pattern creates a strong microwave contrast with the surrounding media selectively resonating with or scattering an interrogating microwave signal. Dielectric bars can be fabricated by inkjet printing, injection, spraying, drawing or any other technique. Barcode information is encoded using different lengths, angles, or positions of dielectric bars. A microwave readable dielectric barcode system includes a barcode fabricated from a dielectric material, a transmitter with an antenna, and a sensor that senses the effect produced by the dielectric barcode on the microwave signal. The dielectric barcode system can use multiple microwave signals that differ in one or more respects, such as polarization or frequency.