The compositions and the chemical valence states of elements of 316L stainless steel passive film formed in the oxidizing acid solution were studied by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic (XPS) analysis. The electrochemical polarization curve was measured. The passivation process in the oxidizing acid solution was studied by AC impedance technology. The results indicated that the stable compounds layer was formed on the surface of the sample and the adsorption was the main step in the nitrite solution during passivation process. The catalysis passivation mechanism was put forward according to the experimental results. During passivation process, the water molecule was adsorbed on the surface of the sample at first in the oxidizing acid solution. The oxidizer in the solution played a role as catalyst. The oxide and hydroxide, which could be changed each other and finally formed stable passive film, were generated from adsorbing intermediate under the catalytic action. The mathematical models for predicting the steady polarization curve and the AC impedance spectra at certain conditions have been obtained. The passivation mechanism of 316L stainless steel in the oxidizing acid solution can be interpreted by the catalysis passivation mechanism.