You can file, but you will have to amend your 2016 tax return.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288565
what is i didn't file for 2016
If you did not file at all for 2016, you will have to prepare the return. If you did not have taxable income in 2016 or was a dependent it will not make a difference (you will not qualify for the education credit)