diff --git a/drivers/dma/idxd/compat.c b/drivers/dma/idxd/compat.c
index d67746ee0c1a..d7616c240dcd 100644
--- a/drivers/dma/idxd/compat.c
+++ b/drivers/dma/idxd/compat.c
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ static ssize_t bind_store(struct device_driver *drv, const char *buf, size_t cou
 {
 	struct bus_type *bus = drv->bus;
 	struct device *dev;
-	struct device_driver *alt_drv;
+	struct device_driver *alt_drv = NULL;
 	int rc = -ENODEV;
 	struct idxd_dev *idxd_dev;