diff --git a/src/src/transports/autoreply.c b/src/src/transports/autoreply.c
index 211e32810..ddf241c7b 100644
--- a/src/src/transports/autoreply.c
+++ b/src/src/transports/autoreply.c
@@ -271,6 +271,7 @@ uschar *logfile, *oncelog;
 uschar *cache_buff = NULL;
 uschar *cache_time = NULL;
 uschar *message_id = NULL;
+uschar *ar_return_path = NULL;
 header_line *h;
 time_t now = time(NULL);
 time_t once_repeat_sec = 0;
@@ -564,8 +565,11 @@ if (file)
   }
 
 /* Make a subprocess to send the message */
-
-if ((pid = child_open_exim(&fd, US"autoreply")) < 0)
+if (tblock->return_path)
+    ar_return_path = expand_string(tblock->return_path);
+if (!ar_return_path)
+    ar_return_path =  US"<>";
+if ((pid = child_open_exim2_function(&fd, ar_return_path, bounce_sender_authentication, US"autoreply")) < 0)
   {
   /* Creation of child failed; defer this delivery. */