To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Most banks will have their own individual procedure for closing a bank account after the title holder of the account passes away."Letters of Office" is not really a letter. If a relative is a sole owner of a bank account, the account will likely be closed upon their death. There are some steps that you can take to help make it simpler to close your account and distribute its funds when you die. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name. I would bring the death certificate to the bank so they know that the family member in question has died. This form must be signed in the presence of a notary public. Notary publics are available at most banks and currency exchanges for a minimal fee. 9.