The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. The personal representative will need to present a death certificate and a certificate of qualification to the bank when opening the account.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The personal representative will need to present a death certificate and a certificate of qualification to the bank at the time the account is opened. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. A payable on death (POD) designation means your bank account automatically transfers to a beneficiary upon the death of all account owners and co-owners. Probate is a legal process that transfers a person's property after they die. This process also makes sure that the person's debts and taxes are paid. Each currently enrolled College of Law student may fill out no more than one complete ballot. Alert: For a better experience on Congress.