Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 600. Revised Judicature Act of 1961 § 600.2108

Sec. 2108. Whenever the secretary of state charged with the legal custody of any paper, document or record shall certify that he has made diligent examination in his office for such paper, document or record and no such paper, document or record exists, such certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the facts so certified, in all causes, matters and proceedings in the same manner and with the like effect as if such officer had personally testified to the same in the court, or before the officer before whom such cause, matter or proceeding may be pending.