diff --git a/src/lib389/lib389/cli_idm/__init__.py b/src/lib389/lib389/cli_idm/__init__.py
index 552299820..fc3978a1f 100644
--- a/src/lib389/lib389/cli_idm/__init__.py
+++ b/src/lib389/lib389/cli_idm/__init__.py
@@ -64,12 +64,7 @@ def _get_basedn_arg(inst, args, log, msg=None):
         if not DSLdapObject(inst, command_basedn).exists():
             errmsg = f'The DN "{command_basedn}" does not exist.'
             errmsg += f' It is required for "{command_name}" command. Please create it first.'
-
-            if args.json:
-                sys.stderr.write('{"desc": "%s"}\n' % errmsg)
-            else:
-                log.error(errmsg)
-            sys.exit(1)
+            raise ValueError(errmsg)
     except KeyError:
         pass
     return basedn_arg