diff --git a/src/suricata.c b/src/suricata.c
index 4e064c6c98..ecbec2460c 100644
--- a/src/suricata.c
+++ b/src/suricata.c
@@ -2708,6 +2708,10 @@ int PostConfLoadedSetup(SCInstance *suri)
         }
     }
 
+    /* Must occur prior to output mod registration
+       and app layer setup. */
+    FeatureTrackingRegister();
+
     AppLayerSetup();
 
     /* Suricata will use this umask if provided. By default it will use the
@@ -2765,7 +2769,6 @@ int PostConfLoadedSetup(SCInstance *suri)
         SCReturnInt(TM_ECODE_FAILED);
     }
 
-    FeatureTrackingRegister(); /* must occur prior to output mod registration */
     RegisterAllModules();
     AppLayerHtpNeedFileInspection();