Methods for making laser-marked packaged surface acoustic wave devices are provided. The method may include directly marking a surface of a piezoelectric substrate, where the opposite surface of the piezoelectric substrate includes a package structure encapsulating a surface acoustic wave device. The method may include exposing the surface of the piezoelectric substrate to light from a deep ultraviolet laser. By using a wavelength readily absorbed by the piezoelectric substrate, a relatively shallow marking may be made in the piezoelectric substrate. The markings may extend less than 1 micrometer into the piezoelectric substrate, and do not affect the structural integrity of the piezoelectric substrate or the operation of the packaged surface acoustic wave device.