diff --git a/drivers/sensors/apds9960.c b/drivers/sensors/apds9960.c
index 65e5e200a2..aa97c345cf 100644
--- a/drivers/sensors/apds9960.c
+++ b/drivers/sensors/apds9960.c
@@ -1281,6 +1281,7 @@ int apds9960_register(FAR const char *devpath,
     {
       snerr("ERROR: Failed to register driver: %d\n", ret);
       kmm_free(priv);
+      return ret;
     }
 
   /* Attach to the interrupt */