diff --git a/ietf/utils/decorators.py b/ietf/utils/decorators.py
index 6ff46a47c..9030af073 100644
--- a/ietf/utils/decorators.py
+++ b/ietf/utils/decorators.py
@@ -63,9 +63,10 @@ def require_api_key(f, request, *args, **kwargs):
     # Check time since regular login
     person = key.person
     last_login = person.user.last_login
-    time_limit = (datetime.datetime.now() - datetime.timedelta(days=settings.UTILS_APIKEY_GUI_LOGIN_LIMIT_DAYS))
-    if last_login == None or last_login < time_limit:
-        return err(400, "Too long since last regular login")
+    if not person.user.is_staff:
+        time_limit = (datetime.datetime.now() - datetime.timedelta(days=settings.UTILS_APIKEY_GUI_LOGIN_LIMIT_DAYS))
+        if last_login == None or last_login < time_limit:
+            return err(400, "Too long since last regular login")
     # Log in
     login(request, person.user)
     # restore the user.last_login field, so it reflects only gui logins