diff --git a/container-disc/src/main/java/ai/vespa/secret/model/SecretVersionState.java b/container-disc/src/main/java/ai/vespa/secret/model/SecretVersionState.java
index 135b353f8c7..226c8ed2452 100644
--- a/container-disc/src/main/java/ai/vespa/secret/model/SecretVersionState.java
+++ b/container-disc/src/main/java/ai/vespa/secret/model/SecretVersionState.java
@@ -50,6 +50,7 @@ public static SecretVersionState deserialize(String serializedName) {
     public void validateTransition(SecretVersionState newState) {
         if (this == newState) {
             log.fine("Transition to the same state: " + newState);
+            return;
         }
         if (this == PREVIOUS && newState != DEPRECATED) {
             throw new IllegalArgumentException("Cannot transition from PREVIOUS state to " + newState);