To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Get a copy of the death certificate.You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. This could just be a death certificate and your driver's license. It could also require opening an estate and getting letters testamentary. This set provides coverage of every aspect of probate law and estate and trust administration in Texas. It includes sample forms and letters. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name. A Letter of Administration give immediate access to deceased personal bank acct without probate or small estate? The term is often used in a broader sense, to include anyone who receives property from the estate of a deceased person. Intestate.