diff --git a/scripts/maint/rename_c_identifier.py b/scripts/maint/rename_c_identifier.py
index 77802e10f3..7794689303 100755
--- a/scripts/maint/rename_c_identifier.py
+++ b/scripts/maint/rename_c_identifier.py
@@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ def main(argv):
         print("I require an even number of identifiers.", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
 
-    if any_uncommitted_changes():
+    if args.commit and any_uncommitted_changes():
         print("Uncommitted changes found. Not running.", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1