Restrictions on optical drive code changes, such as a predetermined number of region code changes for playing optical media with varying region codes, are enforced with an application solution. Each request to perform a region code change is authorized by retrieving a certificate to verify that a code change is permitted, decrementing the number of remaining authorized code changes reflected by the certificate, and storing the updated certificate for use at a subsequent code change request. The certificate is generated by application of one or more unique identifiers and encrypted during storage for security.