I live in California and did not have to have a lawyer, or anyone else sign the application to take the test. Are you talking about having the application to take the test signed, or having your Notary Commission signed? For the notary commission, I had to go to the Alameda County courthouse and take an oath in front of a Notary Public and she then notarized my commission. In California, you receive your commission after you take and pass the test. Then you have to be sworn in at a courthouse that is within the county.
You can get most, or all of your questions answered at the National Notary Association's website:
www.nationalnotary.orgor, call them toll-free at 1-800-876-6827
Hope this helps. Good luck!
WhiteSatin
