diff --git a/tools/ratbagctl.devel.in b/tools/ratbagctl.devel.in
index a1d588bc..5878460a 100755
--- a/tools/ratbagctl.devel.in
+++ b/tools/ratbagctl.devel.in
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ def main(argv):
             parser.print_help()
             return
 
-        ratbagd_process = toolbox.start_ratbagd()
+        ratbagd_process = toolbox.start_ratbagd(verbosity=cmd.verbose)
         if ratbagd_process is None:
             sys.exit("Failed to start or connect to ratbagd")
 
diff --git a/tools/toolbox.py b/tools/toolbox.py
index 86ced829..32ee1a5c 100644
--- a/tools/toolbox.py
+++ b/tools/toolbox.py
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ def import_non_standard_path(name, path):
     return module
 
 
-def start_ratbagd():
+def start_ratbagd(verbosity=0):
     from gi.repository import Gio
     import time
 
@@ -68,7 +68,14 @@ def start_ratbagd():
 
     # FIXME: kill any running ratbagd.devel
 
-    ratbagd_process = subprocess.Popen([os.path.join('@MESON_BUILD_ROOT@', "ratbagd.devel")], shell=False)
+    args = [os.path.join('@MESON_BUILD_ROOT@', "ratbagd.devel")]
+
+    if verbosity >= 3:
+        args.append('--verbose=raw')
+    elif verbosity >= 2:
+        args.append('--verbose')
+
+    ratbagd_process = subprocess.Popen(args, shell=False, stdout=sys.stdout, stderr=sys.stderr)
 
     dbus = Gio.bus_get_sync(Gio.BusType.SYSTEM, None)