diff --git a/bindings/python/notmuch/database.py b/bindings/python/notmuch/database.py
index 5deb2a5d..3770b132 100644
--- a/bindings/python/notmuch/database.py
+++ b/bindings/python/notmuch/database.py
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ class Database(object):
         # Raise a NotmuchError if not initialized
         self._verify_initialized_db()
 
-        return notmuch_database_needs_upgrade(self._db) 
+        return nmlib.notmuch_database_needs_upgrade(self._db) 
 
     def upgrade(self):
         """Upgrades the current database