The invention is a method and apparatus for dispensing an activated electronic monitoring device (EM device), such as a data logger. The invention can activate an EM device and verify activation before dispensing the EM device. The invention comprises a receptacle for storing a plurality of unactivated EM devices, a separator for separating an indivdual EM device, a reader for activating and verifying activation of the EM device, and a sorter for dispensing activated EM devices into an accept container that is readily accessible. EM devices that fail to activate can be dispensed into a reject container. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a controller that typically comprises a microprocessor having stored instructions. The controller can typically communicate with the EM device via the reader to activate the EM device and verify activation. The controller may also be used to program or write instructions to the EM device.