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# Generate Random UUIDs Without An Extension

In other posts I've covered how to generate v4 random UUIDs in PostgreSQL [using the `uuid-ossp` extension](/til/programmy/linux/is-app-installed/types-and-operators/generate-a-uuid.md) as well as the more up-to-date method of [using the `pgcrypto` extension](/til/programmy/linux/is-app-installed/crypto/generating-uuids-with-pgcrypto.md).

As of PostgreSQL v13, you no longer need to add an extension for v4 UUID generation. It comes built-in as the `gen_random_uuid()` function.

```sql
> select gen_random_uuid();
           gen_random_uuid
--------------------------------------
 0aa72fe6-ede7-4ccf-b328-348becc58066
(1 row)
```

If you need other non-v4 UUID functions, you'll have to stick with [uuid-ossp](https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/uuid-ossp.html).