To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. It may also be possible to claim a deceased person's bank account without probate if the decedent's trust disposes of the bank account.The first and foremost thing you must do to close a bank account upon the death of a loved one is to inform the bank of this death. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. A death claim application letter for a bank is basically a letter to the bank stating that the account holder has been deceased. Online: Use our online form to notify us about a customer's death. Branch Locations, Directions and Hours. This could just be a death certificate and your driver's license.