A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that includes an RFID chip, a loop that is electrically connected to the RFID chip, and a substantially transparent antenna coupled to the loop. In various embodiments, the RFID transponder can be affixed over a light source (e.g., vehicle headlights) while preserving the luminance from the light source. Alternately or in addition, the RFID transponder can be affixed to a surface (e.g., product packaging, license plates) without obscuring any marks, designs, motifs, and/or text on the surface.