diff --git a/var/spack/packages/dbus/package.py b/var/spack/packages/dbus/package.py
index 5fee103f038..f7f394498ce 100644
--- a/var/spack/packages/dbus/package.py
+++ b/var/spack/packages/dbus/package.py
@@ -23,3 +23,7 @@ def install(self, spec, prefix):
         configure("--prefix=%s" % prefix)
         make()
         make("install")
+
+        # dbus needs a machine id generated after install
+        dbus_uuidgen = Executable(join_path(prefix.bin, 'dbus-uuidgen'))
+        dbus_uuidgen('--ensure')