To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. When the decedent died, you automatically have full ownership of that property, so it is not part of the estate. 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. You'll just need the death certificate and your ID. The bank should close the account and make checks payable to the beneficiary. You'll just need the death certificate and your ID. The bank should close the account and make checks payable to the beneficiary. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). The personal representative's job is to carry out the provisions in the Will.