The formal "certificates" or identity documents held by Taoist disciples are mainly categorized as follows. These documents reflect their different identities, statuses, and stages of cultivation in Taoism:

Guiyi Certificate (皈依证):

This is the first step for Taoist believers to enter the "Xuanmen" (玄门，the Taoist community). Through the "Three Refuges" ceremony (皈依道、经、师三宝，meaning taking refuge in the Three Treasures: the Dao, the Scriptures, and the Masters), one becomes a Taoist believer. The Guiyi Certificate serves as proof of formal membership in the Taoist community, but its holder remains a "jushi" (居士，a lay believer) and has not yet become a Taoist priest.

Chuanduo Certificate (传度证):

This is the official certification for priests of Zhengyi (正一派，one of the major Taoist sects) to enter the Dao. It is only awarded to disciples who have received teachings from a master and passed assessments. The Chuanduo ceremony marks the disciple’s official status as a Taoist priest, with a master-disciple lineage, a Taoist name, and a generational character from their sect.

Shoulu Certificate (授箓证):

Priests of Zhengyi must obtain the Shoulu Certificate to perform "daochang" (道场，Taoist rituals), command spiritual soldiers, subdue demons, eliminate evil, and deliver souls. With this certificate, one’s name is registered in the "Tiancao" (天曹，the celestial bureaucracy), granting official spiritual rank. Only then can the ritual texts ("zhangci" 章词) in ceremonies be delivered to the heavenly realm and receive blessings from deities.

Daoyi Certificate (道医证):

Holders of this certificate possess medical skills and experience, enabling them to practice medical services in society.

These certificates not only represent the identity and status of Taoist disciples but also embody their responsibilities and obligations in Taoist cultivation and heritage.