diff --git a/pppd/options.c b/pppd/options.c
index 227e615c9..0e17820f9 100644
--- a/pppd/options.c
+++ b/pppd/options.c
@@ -1802,6 +1802,7 @@ loadplugin(char **argv)
     (*init)();
     if (path != arg)
 	free(path);
+	dlclose(handle);
     return 1;
 
  errclose: