To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. This is to notify the bank that my.(Relationship with deceased). All documents posted below in PDF format must be filed with the court in PDF format. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. Banks need to be notified of death; they won't work it out alone. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. Expiration Date described above. Sub: Request to close an account due to death.