diff --git a/qubes/app.py b/qubes/app.py
index 7b92da5a..ae9380f5 100644
--- a/qubes/app.py
+++ b/qubes/app.py
@@ -924,6 +924,8 @@ class Qubes(qubes.PropertyHolder):
         if qid is None:
             qid = self.domains.get_new_unused_qid()
 
+        if isinstance(cls, str):
+            cls = self.get_vm_class(cls)
         # handle default template; specifically allow template=None (do not
         # override it with default template)
         if 'template' not in kwargs and hasattr(cls, 'template'):