diff --git a/subsys/net/l2/ieee802154/ieee802154_frame.c b/subsys/net/l2/ieee802154/ieee802154_frame.c
index b21fee39143..b61603b1e29 100644
--- a/subsys/net/l2/ieee802154/ieee802154_frame.c
+++ b/subsys/net/l2/ieee802154/ieee802154_frame.c
@@ -283,6 +283,7 @@ static inline bool validate_mac_command(struct ieee802154_mpdu *mpdu, uint8_t *b
 	case IEEE802154_CFI_UNKNOWN:
 		return false;
 	case IEEE802154_CFI_ASSOCIATION_REQUEST:
+		ar = 1U;
 		len += IEEE802154_CMD_ASSOC_REQ_LENGTH;
 		src_bf = BIT(IEEE802154_ADDR_MODE_EXTENDED);
 		src_pan_brdcst_chk = true;