diff --git a/pkg/config/config_local.go b/pkg/config/config_local.go
index bc8ddc655..319d053e4 100644
--- a/pkg/config/config_local.go
+++ b/pkg/config/config_local.go
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"strings"
 	"syscall"
 
+	cdi "github.com/container-orchestrated-devices/container-device-interface/pkg/cdi"
 	units "github.com/docker/go-units"
 )
 
@@ -57,6 +58,9 @@ func (c *EngineConfig) validatePaths() error {
 
 func (c *ContainersConfig) validateDevices() error {
 	for _, d := range c.Devices {
+		if cdi.IsQualifiedName(d) {
+			continue
+		}
 		_, _, _, err := Device(d)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err