A method for fabricating a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device includes the steps of forming a first dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a piezoelectric layer on the first dielectric layer, forming a second dielectric layer on the piezoelectric layer, performing a photo-etching process to remove the second dielectric layer for forming a recess in the second dielectric layer, forming a metal layer in the recess, and then performing a planarizing process to remove the metal layer for forming an electrode in the recess.