When a person dies and leaves a Will then they died testate. If the person died without leaving a Will, then they died intestate.Present either of these letters to the bank along with the death certificate to close the account. In general, you can't. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. If there is not a will, you should take the death certificate. 2. Information about obtaining death certificates from the New York State Department of Health. Complete the information requested on the Mail-in Claim Form page. The Register of Wills has jurisdiction over the probate of wills and granting of letters to a personal representative. In general, you can't.