diff --git a/Koha/ILL/Request.pm b/Koha/ILL/Request.pm
index 90035032e4..c57400cb03 100644
--- a/Koha/ILL/Request.pm
+++ b/Koha/ILL/Request.pm
@@ -1905,7 +1905,7 @@ sub get_notice {
         letter_code            => $params->{notice_code},
         branchcode             => $self->branchcode,
         message_transport_type => $params->{transport},
-        lang                   => $self->patron->lang,
+        lang                   => $self->patron ? $self->patron->lang : undef,
         tables                 => {
             illrequests => $self->illrequest_id,
             borrowers   => $self->borrowernumber,