So a recruiter from a staffing company is asking me for my driver's license in order to submit me to a company(The State of Washington supposedly) and setup an initial interview. My issue comes from giving personal info such as Social Security Number and Divers Licence Number to anyone unless I'm being hired or at the very least going in for a face to face( and I'm only giving it to them once I see them not before via email).
From what few reviews, which I understand should be taken with a grain of salt, these people are not to be trusted.
I've actually spoken to them on the phone and the woman I spoke to raised some red flags in just how detached she was from the conversation. I sent her an email asking what the information would be used for only to be told that it's for the client(state of WA). I asked again only to not receive an answer but they're still waiting for the information to be sent to them in an insecure email. I even considered a visit where I could visit with the recruiter face to face, but they have refused to give me an address.
Is there a good reason for a recruiter to request this information prior for an initial interview? Is there a better way to clarify what they intend to use my information for?