diff --git a/src/keri/vdr/viring.py b/src/keri/vdr/viring.py
index 434a2d16..cf2ed805 100644
--- a/src/keri/vdr/viring.py
+++ b/src/keri/vdr/viring.py
@@ -485,6 +485,8 @@ def cloneCred(self, said):
         """
 
         creder = self.creds.get(keys=(said,))
+        if creder is None:
+            raise kering.MissingEntryError(f"no credential found with said {said}")
         prefixer, seqner, saider = self.cancs.get(keys=(said,))
         return creder, prefixer, seqner, saider
 
diff --git a/tests/vdr/test_verifying.py b/tests/vdr/test_verifying.py
index ea7bb1bc..6cd16154 100644
--- a/tests/vdr/test_verifying.py
+++ b/tests/vdr/test_verifying.py
@@ -115,6 +115,9 @@ def test_verifier(seeder):
         for idx, cred in enumerate(creds):
             assert dcre.sad == cred["sad"]
 
+        with pytest.raises(kering.MissingEntryError):
+            regery.reger.cloneCred(said="nonexistantsaid")
+
     """End Test"""